JP4764399B2 - Content viewing apparatus, content viewing apparatus control method, multimedia terminal, and multimedia terminal operation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing a unified and efficient operation in a content viewing apparatus which is a multimedia terminal having a television broadcast receiving function and an Internet browsing function.

  Currently, integration of home appliances and networks is underway. Under such circumstances, the Internet browsing function is added to the television receiver, which is the center of the living room, or the TV reception function is added to a PC (personal computer) that can be connected to the Internet. A “multimedia terminal” that enables this is provided.

  By the way, a television receiver for viewing a television broadcast and a PC that realizes Internet browsing are different in relative position from the user, such as so-called “10 feet UI (user interface)” and “2 feet UI”. The design philosophy of the interface itself varies greatly depending on the factors. For this reason, the multimedia terminal as described above has been adapted to use a remote control and a keyboard / mouse, which are input devices suitable for each UI, for TV viewing and Internet browsing.

However, since it is often viewed at 10 feet in the living room, it is not suitable for keyboard / mouse operation on the assumption of use at 2 feet. Therefore, the applicant of the present application discloses a technique for assigning a number to a link in an HTML document displayed by an Internet browser and executing access to the link by specifying the number (Patent Document 1). As a result, the Internet browsing operation can be performed only by operating the remote control numeric buttons even at a distance of 10 feet such as in a living room.
WO / 2007/055002

  However, since the conventional multimedia terminal is configured so that the TV viewing application and the Internet browser (application) operate separately, there is a problem that each application must be switched and operated. .

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, although both TV viewing and Internet browsing operations can be performed with a remote controller, actual operations are performed using different operation systems. Therefore, there exists a subject that it may not lead to a user's operational feeling improvement as a result. That is, in the prior art, for example, in Internet browsing, a browser is activated and an operation for the browser is performed. On the other hand, for television viewing, a separate television reception function is activated to perform operations for switching the television channel. And since there is such a change of function and a change in the operation system associated therewith, the user cannot grasp both as a unified operation and does not lead to acquisition of a good operational feeling.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a multi-transmission device configured to seamlessly switch between TV viewing and Internet browsing on one browser by controlling a tuner for TV reception by the browser. A content viewing apparatus which is a media terminal is provided.

  Furthermore, in the content viewing apparatus, for example, a television broadcast channel for receiving broadcasts from the television broadcast stations A to Z is assigned to channels 1 to 12 of the remote control signal, and the Internet connection is made after channel 13 of the subsequent remote control signal. A channel menu to which an IP address or the like is assigned is generated. By using a single channel menu that combines the two, content that can be received centrally with a single remote controller for TV viewing and Internet browsing operations that can be switched seamlessly on a single browser A viewing device is provided.

  Specifically, a tuner unit, an Internet browser unit having a control unit that controls the tuner unit, a selection list holding unit that holds a selection list that is a list of TV broadcast channel IDs and IP addresses that are content IDs, and a channel An allocation unit that selects and assigns an arbitrary content ID from a selection list to a number, a channel menu generation unit that generates a channel menu that includes channel numbers assigned content IDs by the allocation unit, and a channel A channel number acquisition unit that acquires a channel number designated using a menu, a determination unit that determines whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address, and a determination In the department, the content ID is A tuner control command output unit that outputs a tuner control command to the control unit of the Internet browser unit so that the tuner unit receives a broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID when it is determined to be a channel ID; Provided is a content viewing device comprising: a browser control command output unit that outputs a browser control command so that an internet browser unit accesses the IP address when the content ID is determined by the determination unit to be an IP address. .

  In addition, by using the channel menu configured so that the user can centrally select the TV broadcast channel ID and IP address in this way, the access log to both is analyzed and the cross-sectional viewing tendency A content viewing device that can calculate the value is also provided.

  Specifically, in addition to the above-described configuration, a channel log recording unit that records a log accessed to each channel by using a channel menu, and both a TV broadcast channel ID and an IP address recorded in the channel log recording unit A content viewing apparatus including a content viewing tendency information that is information indicating a content viewing tendency across media based on the content.

  In addition to the above configuration, by adding a function to assign a number to a link or input form in an HTML document displayed on an Internet browser, and to access the link by specifying the number, further link operations, etc. A content viewing apparatus that can be operated with a remote control seamlessly is also provided.

  According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, in a “multimedia terminal” that enables Internet connection while watching TV, a channel number for a remote control signal for connecting to the Internet and a TV broadcast channel are selected. The same channel number can be unified. Therefore, the user can seamlessly switch both on a single browser. In addition, since it is possible to perform a single operation with a single remote controller without distinguishing between the two operations, a good operational feeling can be provided to the user.

  In addition, in such a content viewing apparatus that can perform a TV viewing and Internet browsing switching operation seamlessly on a single browser and centrally with a single remote control, a link in an HTML document, etc. By assigning a number to the URL and adding a function to execute access to the link by specifying the number, almost all operations, including operations such as specifying links in Internet browsing, can be performed centrally with a single remote controller. It becomes possible.

  Accordingly, it is possible to remove a wall of an input device resulting from a difference between a so-called 10-foot UI and a 2-foot UI in a living PC or the like, and provide a suitable operation system for a user to watch TV and browse the Internet in the living room. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, claims 1 and 6 will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, claims 2 and 7 will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, claims 3 and 8 will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, claims 4 and 9 will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, claims 5 and 10 will be mainly described. Examples 6, 7 and 8 describe other implementations based on the above claims.

Embodiments 9 and 10 also describe other implementations based on the above claims.

Examples 11 to 15 also describe other implementations based on the above claims.

  Example 1

    <Overview>

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen and an operation of a browser application in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the channel menu α is displayed on the left side of the browser of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, by OSD (on-screen display). In the channel menu α, channel numbers “1 (Japan Broadcasting)”, “2 (Kanto Television)”, and “3 (TV C)” to which television broadcasting channels are assigned are shown. At the same time, the channel numbers “13 (portal Y)”, “14 (easy auction)”,... To which the Internet site (IP address) is assigned are also shown together with the television broadcast channel.

  Then, when the user presses the channel number “1” of the remote control or the operation panel, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a Japan broadcast is received, and a browser for TV viewing or the like is not started separately. The broadcast program is displayed within. Further, when the user presses the channel number “13” on the remote control or the operation panel, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the access to the portal Y is executed in the browser, and The site is displayed.

  As described above, in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the user can seamlessly switch between TV viewing and Internet browsing on one browser, and the operation can be performed centrally with one remote controller. .

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The “content viewing device” refers to a device having a function for displaying various contents including Internet content and television content. For example, a television device with an Internet access function, a network client PC with a TV reception function, a television Examples include tuner-equipped mobile phones.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the “content viewing apparatus” (0200) of this embodiment includes a “tuner part” (0201), an “Internet browser part” (0202), and a “control part” (0203). “Selection list holding unit” (0204), “allocation unit” (0205), “channel menu generation unit” (0206), “channel number acquisition unit” (0207), and “determination unit” (0208) ”,“ Tuner control command output unit ”(0209), and“ browser control command output unit ”(0210).

  Note that the functional blocks of the content viewing apparatus described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a main memory, a bus, or a secondary storage device (a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, a storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, a reading drive for the medium, etc.), a printing device And display devices, hardware components such as other external peripheral devices, I / O ports for the external peripheral devices, driver programs and other application programs for controlling these hardware, and users used for information input Examples include interfaces.

  Then, by CPU processing according to the program developed on the main memory, the data input via the interface and stored in the memory and hard disk are processed and stored, and the above hardware and software are controlled. Instructions are generated.

  In addition, the present invention can be realized not only as the content viewing apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software and a recording medium in which the product is fixed to a recording medium are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention (the same applies throughout the present specification). Is).

  The “tuner unit” (0201) includes a tuner that receives and selects a broadcast and obtains an audio / video signal. Specific examples of the tuner unit include a video capture card including a converter, an MPEG encoder, and the like in addition to the tuner. In a multimedia terminal such as a personal computer, a function for displaying video from a video capture card has been conventionally used. However, there is no relevance to browsing the Internet, and as a user, when both a TV program and browsing the Internet are performed at the same time, the window screen must be changed each time. It was.

  The “Internet browser unit” (0203) has a control unit that controls the tuner unit.

  The “control unit” (0202) controls the tuner unit (0201). For example, a broadcasting station is selected by controlling tuning processing in a tuner. In addition, the control unit may control a device (such as a card or a board) having a video capture function including a tuner as described above.

  The internet browser unit is a functional unit having such a control unit. The Internet browser unit is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, and has a browser function for browsing the Internet. The browser function refers to, for example, obtaining a file document described in a markup language format such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format or XML (Extensible Markup Language) format from a server device, interpreting the file document, and a web page. Is displayed. In addition, the browser function includes various application functions incorporated (plugged in) in the browser software.

  The Internet browser unit in this embodiment is characterized in that it has a control unit for controlling the tuner unit as already described. In other words, by including the function of controlling the tuner unit as a function of the Internet browser software, a broadcast station can be selected on the browser screen, and a TV program broadcast on the selected broadcast station can be displayed. It becomes possible. Conventionally, a TV broadcast is received by a tuner, and a dedicated application for displaying the TV broadcast is separately displayed on the screen. Therefore, there is no link / integration between the Internet browser and the TV program. However, as in this embodiment, the Internet browser unit has a control unit that controls the tuner unit, so that it is possible to browse web pages while watching TV programs in the same window screen. Become. Alternatively, it is possible to seamlessly display a television program and Internet content such as a web page in the same browser without switching. As a result, it is possible to execute so-called fusion of broadcasting and communication mainly with operations from the Internet side. Hereinafter, this advantage will be described.

  First, in the recent fusion of broadcasting and communication, the communication part is complemented by using the data broadcasting part included in the digital television broadcast. In other words, it is handled mainly by broadcasting and by subordinate communications. However, in the case of digital TV broadcasting, the broadcasting station tries to access the user only to a specific site, such as by accessing the official homepage of the TV program or by accessing a related mail order site. Met. Moreover, when such a site is accessed, the display screen is switched from the TV program to the Internet browser screen, so that both cannot be viewed on the same screen. Thus, the recent fusion of broadcasting and communication has many restrictions on users and is far from true fusion.

  However, as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize true fusion of broadcasting and communication by mainly operating from the Internet side. That is, by enabling control of the tuner unit by the Internet browser unit, first, it becomes possible to display a television program on the screen of an application that realizes the Internet browser function. As a result, the user can browse the Internet as desired while listening to the television program. And about the browsing of the Internet, it is possible to browse a user's free site, not a site forced by a broadcasting station. Therefore, the user can freely browse the Internet site or select a broadcasting station without any restrictions.

  In particular, in recent years, broadband has become widespread in general households, and large-screen thin displays have permeated households. It is expected that the lifestyle of browsing the Internet on the large screen in the living room will be widely adopted. . In such a case, it is possible to propose a lifestyle that combines broadcasting and communication by displaying a television program on the screen of an application that implements the Internet browser function.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the content viewing apparatus includes each application based on hardware including a tuner unit, basic software (OS), firmware positioned between the hardware and basic software, and the like. Module is installed. The Internet browser module includes a control module that controls the hardware of the tuner unit.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the hardware portion of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a tuner (0301) as a tuner unit, an MPEG encoder (0302), a CPU (0303) as an Internet browser unit, a RAM (0304), A ROM (0305), a hard disk (HD) (0306), a video memory (0307), a network interface (0308), and the like are included. In addition, although not shown, a display, a user interface, a conversion circuit for converting color signals, and the like are included as examples.

  Hereinafter, an example of a specific operation will be described. The CPU performs various control processes according to the application program of the Internet browser read from the HD or ROM to the RAM. First, the CPU acquires an Internet web page and the like via a network interface. On the other hand, the CPU outputs a control command for the video capture card through the bus. This control command is a command for selecting which broadcast station is selected by the tuner, or a command for sending an MPEG streaming broadcast video signal encoding a video signal of a television broadcast wave to the video memory. Then, the CPU executes a process of displaying the MPEG streaming broadcast video signal in the video memory and the web page acquired by Internet communication in accordance with the program read into the RAM.

  The content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes the following functions to control the tuner (receive TV broadcast) using a remote controller suitable as a 10-foot UI and a channel menu described later. The Internet browsing (access) switching operation can be performed seamlessly.

  The “selection list holding unit” (0204) has a function of holding a selection list, and can be realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, an HDD (hard disk drive), or other various storage media. The “selection list” held in such a storage medium is a list of TV broadcast channel IDs and IP addresses that are content IDs.

  The “TV broadcast channel ID” refers to information for identifying a TV broadcast channel, and includes a channel number assigned in advance, broadcast frequency band information of the TV broadcast, a broadcast station name, and the like. In addition, a channel number constituting a unified channel menu described later and a channel number which is a channel ID held in this selection list are separate channel numbers. Specifically, the channel number which is the content ID shown in this selection list is a number designated by the broadcasting station to the receiver. For example, a remote control code (number and reception frequency set in advance at the time of shipment of the content viewing apparatus or the like). Is a channel number indicated in a table). On the other hand, a channel number for a remote control menu, which will be described later, refers to a number to which a television broadcast channel ID and an IP address are assigned in an integrated manner by an assigning unit. Therefore, the channel ID “1 (broadcast station / reception frequency band indicated by)” (for example, at the time of shipment) may be assigned to “2” in the channel menu. Of course, the channel ID “1 (broadcast station / reception frequency band indicated by“) ”may be assigned to“ 1 ”also in the channel menu. In addition, the television broadcast channel ID may include identification information of an external input terminal.

The “IP address” is information for identifying a device on the Internet defined by TCP / IP, and is used here to perform Internet access by designating a channel number indicated by a channel menu described later.

  Further, the content IDs shown in this selection list may be configured so that all selectable contents are shown, or those assigned to channel numbers by the assigning unit described later can be deleted or assigned flags. For example, it may be configured so that it cannot be used for subsequent allocations (only allocation change is possible).

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of this selection list. As shown in this figure, the selection list holds a plurality of television broadcast channel IDs as content IDs, for example. At the same time, a plurality of IP addresses are held as content IDs. Then, the completely different TV operation content ID (TV broadcast channel ID) and Internet browsing content ID (IP address) are held in the selection list as shown in FIG. In the channel menu, both are assigned to channel numbers in a unified manner.

  The “assignment unit” (0205) has a function of selecting and assigning an arbitrary content ID from the selection list to the channel number, and can be realized by, for example, a CPU or a main memory. The allocation process by the allocation unit includes, for example, a process of centrally allocating “all” television broadcast station content IDs and IP addresses shown in the selection list in order from the channel number “1” or vacant channel numbers. Can be mentioned. Further, even if the channel number is not available, update allocation may be performed. Or, when the upper limit of the number of channel numbers is determined in advance, a limited number of content IDs are randomly extracted (extracted so that at least both the TV broadcast channel ID and IP address are included) and extracted. A process of randomly assigning contents to channel numbers can also be mentioned.

  Further, as will be described later in the third embodiment, the user may freely set or change the allocation contents. In addition, a service provider or the like may freely set or change the allocation content via an external server. In this case, as described later in another embodiment, a specific channel number may be used. May not be changeable by the user.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a channel menu table showing the allocation relationship between channel numbers and content IDs in this way. As shown in this figure, the television broadcast channel ID “1 (Japan Broadcasting)” is assigned to the channel number “1” of the channel menu by the assigning process in the assigning unit. Similarly, a TV broadcast channel ID “4 (Kanto TV)” is assigned to the channel number “2” of the channel menu, and a TV broadcast channel ID “52 (TV C) is assigned to the channel number“ 3 ”of the channel menu. ) ”Is assigned.

  At the same time, for example, the channel numbers after “13” consecutive with the channel numbers “1”, “2”, “3”,. 0.1 (portal Y) ”and“ 234.2.1.2.3 (easy auction) ”are allocated.

  The “channel menu generation unit” (0206) has a function of generating a channel menu including channel numbers to which content IDs have been allocated by the allocation unit. Then, the generated channel menu may be displayed on the display as follows, for example, and the user may select it. For example, in addition to a method of displaying a channel menu alone as a 4 × 4 matrix arrangement on the screen as a channel menu screen, for example, a method of displaying with a video by OSD processing or a difference in the aspect ratio of the video and the display A method of embedding and displaying a channel menu in the upper and lower or left and right black frame regions to be inserted can be mentioned.

  In addition to output by display on the display, automatic sound generation such as "Channel 1 is selected for Japan Broadcasting", ... "Channel 13 is access to Portal Y" for speakers attached to the display. You may comprise so that the audio | voice guidance produced | generated by the process may be output.

  When a user who has viewed (heard) the channel menu output on the display presses the “2ch” button on the remote controller, for example, the content viewing apparatus acquires the channel number according to the following configuration, and views the television. In order to perform browsing and Internet browsing, a process for controlling the Internet browser unit is executed.

  The “channel number acquisition unit” (0207) has a function of acquiring a channel number designated using a channel menu, and can be realized by, for example, an infrared light receiving unit for remote control signals. Specifically, for example, an infrared signal indicating a remote control button “1” pressed by a user who wants to watch a TV program of Japan Broadcasting by looking at the channel menu displayed on the display as shown in FIG. Receive light and demodulate to obtain. Alternatively, the infrared light signal indicating the remote control button “13” pressed by the user who is considering to access the portal Y while viewing the channel menu is received by the light receiving unit and demodulated and acquired.

  The “determination unit” (0208) has a function of determining whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address. For example, the “determination unit” (0208) is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU or a main memory. Can be realized.

  More specifically, for example, a channel menu table search process as shown in FIG. 5 is executed by a CPU calculation process using the acquired channel number as a key. Then, the ID type of the corresponding channel number is acquired. For example, if “channel number: 1” is “TV”, it is determined that the ID is a TV broadcast channel ID. Alternatively, if “channel number: 13” is “net”, the IP address is determined. Then, according to the determination result here, the following control command is output.

  The “tuner control command output unit” (0209) is configured such that when the determination unit determines that the content ID is a television broadcast channel ID, the tuner unit receives the broadcast wave indicated by the television broadcast channel ID. It has a function of outputting a tuner control command to the control unit of the browser unit.

  The “browser control command output unit” (0210) has a function of outputting a browser control command so that the Internet browser unit accesses the IP address when the determination unit determines that the content ID is an IP address. .

  As described above, in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the user can execute the television viewing and the Internet browsing operation in a unified manner using the channel menu without distinguishing the operations. The centralized operation allows seamless switching between TV viewing (tuner control) and Internet content display (Internet browsing) within the same browser.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components described above are realized as hardware. Note that the hardware configurations of the tuner unit, the Internet browsing unit, and the control unit have already been described with reference to FIG. The operation of other hardware components in the channel menu output process and the like will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, the content viewing apparatus performs various calculation processes, and also implements an allocation unit, a channel menu generation unit, a determination unit, and each control command output unit, a “CPU (central processing unit)” (0601) and , “Main memory” (0602). In addition, “flash memory” (0603) which is a selection list holding unit, “VRAM” (0604) and “display” (0605) for displaying a channel menu and a browser, and “remote control” which is a channel number acquisition unit A “light receiving unit” (0606), a “tuner” (0607) for receiving television broadcasts, and a “communication IF” (0608) for Internet access are also provided. They are connected to each other via a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

  A program is read out to the “main memory”, and the “CPU” executes various arithmetic processes by referring to the read out program. In addition, a plurality of addresses are assigned to each of the “main memory” and “flash memory”, and in the arithmetic processing of the “CPU”, the addresses are specified and accessed to store the data. It is possible to perform arithmetic processing using.

  Here, for example, an Internet browser module (program) is read into the “main memory” with a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of an operation input via a GUI (graphical user interface) as a trigger. The “CPU” refers to the program, displays the browser on the “display”, and executes a channel menu generation process as follows. In the following, a process of randomly assigning content IDs to empty channels will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another content ID may be assigned to a channel number to which some content ID has already been assigned, or the user can be customized by cooperating each hardware configuration as described later in other embodiments. Allocation may be performed accordingly.

  In this example, first, “CPU” reads a selection list held in “flash memory” in accordance with a program. Then, one of the content IDs shown in the selection list is determined by random processing and stored at address 1 of “main memory”. (Here, it is assumed that only the content ID not assigned to the channel number of the channel menu is shown in the selection list.)

  Subsequently, the “CPU” reads the channel menu table held in the “flash memory” according to the program. Then, for each channel number indicated in the table, a process for determining whether or not a content ID is assigned is executed. Then, the channel number A for which the determination result that the content ID is not assigned is issued is stored in the address 2 of the “main memory” according to the program.

  Then, according to the program, the “CPU” is assumed that the content ID (here, the TV channel ID) stored at the address 1 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored at the address 2 of the “main memory”. Addition update processing with the above allocation contents is executed to the channel menu table held in the “flash memory”.

  Similarly, an IP address obtained from the selection list and stored in address 3 of “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored in address 4 of “main memory”, and additional update processing is executed on the channel menu table. , And so on.

  Then, referring to the channel menu table generated in this way and stored in the “flash memory”, the content viewing apparatus generates a channel menu image by processing such as a video chip (not shown). Then, the generated image is output to “VRAM”, and for example, a channel menu as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, when the user who views the channel menu presses the “2” button on the remote controller, for example, the modulated remote control operation signal “2” is received by the “remote control light receiving unit” of the content viewing apparatus.

  Then, the “CPU” demodulates the received light signal by a “demodulation circuit” (not shown) and stores the acquired remote control operation signal “2” at address 5 of the “main memory”. Then, using the remote control signal as a key, “CPU” refers to a channel menu table as shown in FIG. 5 held in “flash memory”, and “TV broadcast” is a content ID assigned to the operation signal. Channel ID: 4 ”is acquired. As a result, a determination result that this channel number is a television broadcast content ID is output.

  The program describes a branch process when the above determination result is output, and the following process is executed according to the description. That is, referring to a remote control code table (not shown) held in “flash memory” or the like, processing for adjusting “tuner” to the reception frequency associated with “TV broadcast channel ID: 4” is executed. . Then, the broadcast program received by the “tuner” is displayed on the “display” browser according to the processing of the program (Internet browser module).

  In addition, when a button corresponding to the channel number “13” that is displayed together with the channel number “2” in the channel menu is pressed by the remote controller, the remote control operation signal is received by the content viewing device. The In the same manner as described above, the “CPU” refers to the channel menu table according to the program, acquires the content ID “IP address: 123.0.0.1” assigned to the operation signal “13”, and A judgment result indicating that it is an IP address is output by logical operation processing. Then, according to the branch processing of the program, an HTTP request for the IP address is generated and transmitted from the “communication IF”. The data including the HTML document returned as a response is imaged according to the rendering engine of the browser, stored in “VRAM”, and output and displayed on the “display”.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, an arbitrary television broadcast channel ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S0701). Subsequently, the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number (step S0702).

  Further, an arbitrary IP address is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S0703). Subsequently, the acquired IP address is assigned to the channel number (step S0704). The allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or a termination operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the allocation content is generated (step S0705).

  Then, for example, when a channel number is acquired from the user in accordance with a channel menu displayed on the display (step S0706), it is determined whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address. Judgment is made (step S0707).

  If it is determined in step S0707 that the content ID is a TV broadcast channel ID, the tuner unit controls the control unit of the Internet browser unit to receive the broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID. A tuner control command is output (step S0708a). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S0707 that the content ID is an IP address, the Internet browser unit outputs a browser control command to access the IP address (step S0708b).

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, in the “multimedia terminal” that enables the Internet connection as well as the TV viewing by the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, the channel number for the remote control signal for the Internet connection and the TV broadcast channel are selected. The same channel number for stationing can be centralized. Therefore, the user can seamlessly switch both on a single browser. In addition, since it is possible to perform a single operation with a single remote controller without distinguishing between the two operations, a good operational feeling can be provided to the user.

  << Example 2 >>

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the above-described embodiment, and arranges a broadcast television program and a web page screen acquired via Internet communication on a single screen and displays the content in a browser. It is.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the “content viewing device” (0800) in the second embodiment has a “tuner portion” (0801) and an “Internet browser portion” (0803) based on the first embodiment. The Internet browser unit includes a “control unit” (0802), a “broadcast video acquisition unit” (0804), a “communication image acquisition unit” (0805), and an “arrangement unit” (0806). Although not shown, as in the first embodiment, a “selection list holding unit”, an “allocation unit”, a “channel menu generation unit”, a “channel number acquisition unit”, and a “determination unit” ”, A“ tuner control command output unit ”, and a“ browser control command output unit ”.

  Since the components other than the broadcast video acquisition unit, the communication image acquisition unit, and the arrangement unit are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  “Broadcast video acquisition means” (0804) acquires an image via the tuner unit. Here, “image” means a static unit when displayed on a display, and in a broad sense, video can also be included. That is, the video is configured by continuously displaying a plurality of images, and acquiring an image is synonymous with acquiring a video including a large number of images. The broadcast video acquisition means corresponds to, for example, a video memory as already described.

  “Communication image acquisition means” (0805) acquires an image via the Internet. Note that “image” here also means a static unit when displayed on the display, and does not indicate only an image file such as a JPEG file. In the communication image acquisition means, for example, not only an image to be displayed by an HTML document file but also a streaming video to be displayed using plug-in software or the like is referred to here. Included in acquisition of “image”. The communication image acquisition means corresponds to, for example, a video memory as already described.

  The “arranging means” (0806) arranges the images acquired by the two image acquisition means on one screen. Arranging on one screen includes, for example, displaying in one window screen of an Internet browser. That is, processing is performed so that a television program and an Internet web page are displayed in the same window. As an arrangement method, the window screen is divided into a plurality of frame areas, and an Internet web page (communication image) or broadcast video image is allocated to the frame area. Processing can be realized.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen arranged by the arranging means. In FIG. 9A, it is assumed that the soccer relay image indicated by 0902 is a broadcast video image, and the other images are Internet communication images. In addition, about 0903 and 0904, the screen of the program of the streaming via Internet communication is displayed. In 0901, an Internet web page is browsed. As described above, by arranging and displaying the broadcast video on a part of the browser screen, it is possible to browse the Internet while viewing the TV program.

  In FIG. 9A, the screen of the broadcast video is the upper right part of the screen, but it is of course possible to change the arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the display positions of the Internet communication image and the broadcast video image may be changed. Thus, for example, a web page is normally browsed on the Internet, and when a broadcast video program reaches a climax or the like, an Internet communication image and a broadcast video are displayed in order to display the broadcast video mainly. It is also possible to change the display position with the image. In addition, even if there are parts of interest in the TV program of the broadcast video, not only the official homepage but also other sites can be easily accessed like the normal Internet, improving usability Can be made.

  In FIG. 9, the description has been made assuming that the broadcast video screen is only 0902. However, by increasing the number of tuners, a plurality of broadcast video screens may be displayed in one browser screen. Is possible.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the flow of processing in the second embodiment. The processing in this embodiment includes the following steps. Note that the flow of processing described in the first embodiment is not shown. The following processing flow can be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute or a readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  First, as in the first embodiment, an arbitrary TV broadcast channel ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance. Subsequently, the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number. Further, an arbitrary IP address is acquired from a selection list held in advance. Subsequently, the acquired IP address is assigned to the channel number. Then, the above allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or a termination operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the above allocation contents is generated.

  For example, when a channel number is acquired from the user in accordance with a channel menu displayed on a display or the like, it is determined whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address.

  If it is determined by the determination process that the content ID is a TV broadcast channel ID, the tuner unit controls the tuner of the Internet browser unit to receive the broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID. Output control instructions. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a broadcast video is acquired via the tuner unit (step S1001).

  If, for example, the simultaneous display mode is selected, acquisition of another channel number is accepted. Then, it is determined whether the content ID assigned to another received channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address. If it is determined that the content ID is an IP address, the browser control command is output so that the Internet browser unit accesses the IP address. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, an image of communication is acquired via the Internet (step S1002). Note that S1001 and S1002 may be executed in the reverse order, or may be executed in parallel. Then, the images acquired in the acquisition steps of S1001 and S1002 are arranged on one screen (step S1003). Thereafter, although not shown in the figure, by displaying the arranged screen on a display or the like, it is possible to perform display in which the image of the broadcast video and the communication image are arranged on one screen.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a tuner (1101) as a tuner unit, an MPEG encoder (1102), a CPU (1103) as an Internet browser unit, a RAM (1104), and a ROM (1105). ), A hard disk (HD) (1106), a video memory (1107), a network interface (1108), and the like. More specifically, it includes a video memory as a broadcast video acquisition unit and a communication image acquisition unit, a CPU and a RAM as an arrangement unit, and the like. In addition, although not shown, examples include a display, a user input interface, a conversion circuit for converting a color signal, and the like.

  The operation of the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described below. The video memory stores broadcast video images transmitted from the MPEG encoder and communication images such as web pages acquired from the Internet via the network interface. At this time, the CPU performs, for example, a process of dividing the window screen into a plurality of frames and displaying each image on the corresponding frame according to the program. Thereafter, information about a screen to be displayed on a display (not shown) or the like is output from the video memory, and a display screen in which a broadcast video screen and a communication screen are arranged in one screen is displayed on the display.

    <Brief description of effect>

  In the second embodiment, various usage modes can be realized by arranging the image of the broadcast video and the communication screen on one screen. For this reason, since users can handle both broadcasts and communications as a whole without being conscious of broadcasting and communications, it is possible to realize a fusion of broadcasting and communications to dramatically improve user convenience. It becomes.

  Example 3

    <Overview>

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen and an operation in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the channel menu α is OSD-displayed on the display screen of the content viewing apparatus of this embodiment, as in the above embodiment. The present embodiment is characterized in that the channel number to which the execution file is assigned is displayed in the channel menu, for example, such as channel numbers “101: word processing software”, “102: paint software”.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the execution file such as an application can be activated centrally in the channel menu together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and the channel number for Internet browsing.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (1300) of the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment and includes a “tuner section” (1301), a “control section” (1302), and an “Internet browser section”. ”(1303),“ selection list holding unit ”(1304),“ allocation unit ”(1305),“ channel menu generation unit ”(1306),“ channel number acquisition unit ”(1307), Section "(1308)," tuner control command output section "(1309), and" browser control command output section "(1310). Further, on the basis of the second embodiment, “broadcast video acquisition means”, “communication image acquisition means”, and “arrangement means” may be included. Since these structural requirements have already been described in the first and second embodiments, description thereof will be omitted.

  A feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the “selection list holding unit” further holds an execution file ID as a content ID in the selection list. “Execution file ID” refers to information for identifying a file for executing an application. For example, in addition to an execution file name, a local storage location (address) of the execution file may be used.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a selection list according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the selection list of this embodiment, in addition to a plurality of television broadcast channel IDs and a plurality of IP addresses as shown in FIG. 4, "WordPro.exe" and "PictureView.exe" A plurality of execution file IDs are held.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, this execution file ID is added as an allocation target in the allocation unit. As a result, the channel menu including the channel number to which the execution file ID is assigned by the channel menu output unit is output to the display as shown in FIG.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components described above are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the channel menu output process etc. will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (1501), “main memory” (1502), “flash memory” (1503), and “VRAM” (1504). ”,“ Display ”(1505),“ remote control light receiving unit ”(1506),“ tuner ”(1507), and“ communication IF ”(1508).

  As described in the first embodiment, for example, a program is read into the “main memory” and a browser is displayed on the “display” with a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of an operation input via the GUI as a trigger. The “CPU” executes an allocation process for assigning a television broadcast channel ID to a channel number and an assignment process for assigning an IP address to another channel number.

  In addition, the present embodiment is characterized in that the following processing is further executed in addition thereto. That is, the “CPU” reads the selection list held in the “flash memory” according to the Internet browser module. Then, one of the execution file IDs shown in the selection list is determined by random processing and stored at address 5 of “main memory”.

  Subsequently, the “CPU” reads the channel menu table held in the “flash memory” according to the Internet browser module. Then, for each channel number indicated in the table, a process for determining whether or not a content ID is assigned is executed. Then, the channel number C from which the determination result that the content ID is not assigned is issued is stored in the address 6 of the “main memory” according to the program.

  Then, according to the program, the “CPU” holds in the “flash memory” on the assumption that the execution file ID stored in the address 5 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored in the address 6 of the “main memory”. Addition update processing with the above allocation contents is executed to the channel menu table that has been assigned.

  Then, referring to the channel menu table generated in this way and stored in the “flash memory”, the content playback apparatus generates a channel menu image by processing such as a video chip (not shown). Then, the generated image is output to “VRAM”, and for example, a channel menu as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, the user who views the channel menu presses a button corresponding to the channel number “101 (C)” displayed together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and Internet browsing on the remote controller. . Then, in response to the remote control operation signal, the “CPU” refers to the channel menu table and acquires the content ID. Then, the process of determining which ID is the content ID is executed by referring to a table or the like by the logical operation process of “CPU”, and as a result, the determination result that this channel number is the execution file ID Is output.

  The program describes a branch process when the determination result is output, and reads the execution file program indicated by the execution file ID into the “main memory” according to the description and executes the execution process of the execution file. Is to do.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the flow of processing described in the first embodiment is not shown. Further, the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  First, as in the first embodiment, an arbitrary TV broadcast channel ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance. Subsequently, the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number. Further, an arbitrary IP address is acquired from a selection list held in advance. Subsequently, the acquired IP address is assigned to the channel number.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, an arbitrary execution file ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S1601), and the acquired execution file ID is assigned to another channel number (step S1601). S1602).

  Then, the allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or a termination operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the allocation content is generated (step S1603). Then, when the channel number is acquired from the user using the channel menu generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address. to decide.

  Depending on the determination result, the tuner unit outputs a tuner control command to the control unit of the Internet browser unit so that the broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID is received, or the Internet browser unit A browser control command is output to access the IP address.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, with the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, execution of an executable file such as an application can be performed centrally in the channel menu together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and the channel number for Internet browsing.

  Example 4

    <Overview>

  The content viewing / listening apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the above embodiment, and the user can arbitrarily customize the allocation of the content ID (TV broadcast channel ID, IP address, or execution file ID) to the channel number. It is configured so that it can be used.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a user customization screen for assignment. As shown in this figure, for example, for the channel number “2” in the selected channel menu α, the content ID that the user desires to assign from the selection list β displayed on the right, for example, “4 ( Kanto Television) ". Then, the assignment of “TV broadcast channel ID: 4 (Kanto TV)” to the channel number “2” is executed.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (1800) of the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment and includes a “tuner section” (1801), a “control section” (1802), and an “Internet browser section”. ”(1803)”, “selection list holding unit” (1804), “allocation unit” (1805), “channel menu generation unit” (1806), “channel number acquisition unit” (1807), Part "(1808)," tuner control command output part "(1809), and" browser control command output part "(1810). Further, on the basis of the second embodiment, “broadcast video acquisition means”, “communication image acquisition means”, and “arrangement means” may be included. On the basis of the third embodiment, the selection list holding unit is an executable file. A selection list including an ID may be held. In addition, since these structural requirements have already been described in the above embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  A feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the allocation unit further includes an “allocation receiving unit” (1811).

  The “assignment accepting unit” (1811) has a function for accepting an assignment input of a content ID selected from a channel number and a selection list from a user, for example, an input device that accepts an input operation via a GUI or a GUI. Can be realized. In order to provide a seamless operation, it is desirable that an input device for realizing the assignment receiving unit is an input device for selecting a channel menu, such as a remote control device.

  The assignment input accepted by this assignment accepting means is, for example, a new assignment to an empty channel number, a change assignment or deletion assignment of a content ID to an already buried channel number, or a content ID between two or more channel numbers. For example, replacement assignment of. Then, by accepting such assignment processing by the assignment accepting means, the user can customize the channel menu to suit his / her own.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components described above are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the assignment acceptance process from the user for the channel menu will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (1901), “main memory” (1902), “flash memory” (1903), and “VRAM” (1904). ), “Display” (1905), “remote control light receiving unit” (1906), “tuner” (1907), and “communication IF” (1908).

  Then, for example, when the Internet browser module is read into the “main memory” using a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of operation input via the GUI as a trigger, the “CPU” is switched from the “flash memory” to the channel according to the program. The menu, selection list, and customization screen template data are read out and stored in the “main memory”. Then, using these data, for example, a customization screen (GUI) as shown in FIG. 17 is generated and displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, the content ID and channel number designated by the user are acquired via the customization screen (GUI), and stored in addresses 4 and 5 of the “main memory”, respectively. Then, according to the program, the “CPU” holds in the “flash memory” assuming that the content ID stored at the address 4 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored at the address 5 of the “main memory”. In other words, an additional update process with the above-mentioned assignment contents is executed on the channel menu table that has been assigned.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, for example, a customization screen (GUI) for accepting assignment is output to the display (step S2001). Then, an arbitrary television broadcast channel ID received from the user via the GUI or the like is acquired (step S2002), and the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number (step S2003). Further, an arbitrary IP address received from the user via the GUI or the like is acquired (step S2004), and the acquired IP address is assigned to another channel number (step S2005).

  Then, the allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or a termination operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the allocation content is generated (step S2006). Then, using the generated channel menu, as described in the first embodiment and the like, the reception of the channel number and the output process of each control command according to the determination result of the channel number are executed.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily accept designation of allocation content from the user by the allocation receiving unit. Users can therefore customize the channel menu to suit them.

  Example 5

    <Overview>

  In contrast to the fourth embodiment, the present embodiment is configured not to accept an assignment input from the user in the assignment receiving means for a specific channel number. Further, with respect to the specific channel number, the content ID is assigned according to the assignment input from the external server.

  More specifically, for example, the channel number “1” has a high display order and the visibility to the user is high, and therefore the user cannot freely customize the channel number that is expected to increase the selection frequency. It is. Further, for example, for the channel number “1”, a new business model is constructed in which the channel number is bought and sold by inputting it through an external server so that a content ID related to a business operator who has paid a considerable price is assigned. be able to.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (1600) of the present embodiment is based on the above-described embodiment 4, and includes a “tuner section” (1801), a “control section” (1802), and an “Internet browser”. Section "(1803)," selection list holding section "(1804)," assignment section "(1805)," channel menu generation section "(1806)," channel number acquisition section "(1807), It includes a “determination unit” (1808), a “tuner control command output unit” (1809), a “browser control command output unit” (1810), and an “assignment receiving unit” (1811). Further, on the basis of the second embodiment, “broadcast video acquisition means”, “communication image acquisition means”, and “arrangement means” may be included. On the basis of the third embodiment, the selection list holding unit is an executable file. A selection list including an ID may be held. Moreover, since these structural requirements have already been described in the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

  A feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the allocating unit further includes “allocation receiving means” (2112).

  The “assignment receiving means” (2112) does not accept the input from the user to the assignment accepting means for the assignment of the content ID to the specific channel number, but instead of the input from the user, the content ID from a predetermined external server is received. It has a function of receiving an assignment to a specific channel number.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a channel menu table used for realizing the assignment receiving means. As shown in this figure, in the channel menu table of this embodiment, a flag indicating whether or not “user customization” is possible (◯) or not (×) is added for each channel number. In the present embodiment, for example, when an assignment input from the user is accepted by the assignment accepting means, a determination process for whether to accept or reject the input is performed by looking at the flag regarding the channel number. is there. The flag relating to the “specific channel number” may be configured to be arbitrarily set by a service provider or a user, for example.

  As described above, useful channel numbers such as channel number “1”, for example, are input via an external server so that user customization is added, and instead, for example, content IDs relating to businesses that have paid considerable consideration are allocated. Will be able to. Therefore, a new business model for buying and selling channel numbers can be constructed using the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components described above are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the allocation process to a specific channel number and the like will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (2301), “main memory” (2302), “flash memory” (2303), and “VRAM” (2304). ”,“ Display ”(2305),“ remote control light receiving unit ”(2306),“ tuner ”(2307), and“ communication IF ”(2308).

  Then, as described in the fourth embodiment, for example, by accepting an operation input via a GUI, the “CPU” follows a program, and a customized screen (GUI) as shown in FIG. indicate.

  Subsequently, the channel number designated by the user is stored in the address 1 of the “main memory” via the customization screen (GUI). Then, according to the program, the “CPU” searches the channel menu table with the customizability flag as shown in FIG. 22 held in the “flash memory” using this channel number as a key. If the channel number is flagged as impossible as a result of the search, the assignment input will not be accepted and an error message such as “Cannot change the channel number” prepared in advance will be displayed on the “Display”. Display.

  Further, for example, the IP address and the specific channel number received from the external server through the “communication IF” are stored in the addresses 2 and 3 of the “main memory”, respectively, and the allocation process is executed.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, a content ID is acquired from a predetermined external server (step S2401). Subsequently, the acquired content ID is assigned to a specific channel number that does not accept an assignment input from the user (step S2402). Then, a channel menu according to the above allocation content is generated (step S2403). Then, using the generated channel menu, as described in the first embodiment and the like, the reception of the channel number and the output process of each control command according to the determination result of the channel number are executed.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, according to the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, the user cannot freely customize the specific channel number, and the assignment input can be performed only through the external server except for the initial setting. Therefore, it is possible to construct a new business model in which the specific channel number is bought and sold using the content viewing / listening apparatus of the present embodiment.

  Example 6

    <Overview>

  This embodiment uses the channel menu configured to allow the user to centrally perform TV viewing operations and Internet browsing as in the above embodiment, and analyzes the access logs to both, It is characterized by calculating a large viewing tendency.

  FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a cross-sectional access log analysis in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25A, for example, the title tag information of the Web page is acquired from the IP address indicated by the internet browsing access log. Then, from the result of the acquisition, an analysis result “obtains frequent browsing of car (including title and text) site” is acquired. Then, the analysis result of the internet browsing access log is applied to another medium of TV, and the program such as “F1 race” in which the car keyword is associated in the electronic program guide is automatically recorded. The reservation process is executed.

  Or, conversely, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), for example, at the time of channel selection for TV viewing, the performer information of the selected program is obtained from the electronic program guide and stored as an access log. . Then, an analysis result of “Frequently watch actor A's round program” is acquired from the access log related to the television viewing. Then, the analysis result of the access log of the TV viewing is applied to Internet browsing as another medium, for example, an RSS feed of the blog of Actor A is acquired, and the update is automatically notified. Condition.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by using the channel menu that allows the selection of the TV broadcast channel ID and the IP address in a centralized manner, the access logs to the both are also obtained in a unified manner, and thus both are crossed. A general viewing tendency can be calculated.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this figure, some of the configurations already described in the above embodiment are omitted. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (2600) of the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and includes a “tuner section”, “control section”, “Internet browser section”, and “selection list”. Holding unit ”,“ assignment unit ”,“ channel menu generation unit ”,“ channel number acquisition unit ”,“ determination unit ”,“ tuner control command output unit ”,“ browser control command output unit ”, Have. Moreover, you may have the said other structure on the basis of the said Example. Since these configuration requirements have already been described, the description thereof is omitted.

  The feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that it further includes a “channel log recording unit” (2611) and a “calculation unit” (2612).

  The “channel log recording unit” (2611) has a function of recording a log accessed to each channel by using a channel menu, and can be realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, an HDD, or another storage medium. The log recorded here includes, for example, a channel number and content ID indicating an access (channel selection) destination as shown in FIG. 27, or an access time thereof. In addition, as described above, the tag data and body data of the Web page of the access destination are analyzed, or the electronic program guide is referred to from the accessed (tuned) channel, and the access destination attribute information is acquired. Alternatively, it may be recorded as an access log. Further, when a mobile phone is used as an input device (also a content viewing device), the mobile phone ID may be acquired as a user ID, and an access log for each user may be recorded.

  The “calculation unit” (2612) has a function of calculating content viewing tendency information based on both the television broadcast channel ID and the IP address recorded in the channel log recording unit. “Content viewing tendency information” refers to information indicating the viewing tendency of content across media. For example, when the number of times of Internet access to a website including a predetermined character string in a title tag or the like exceeds 10, A content viewing tendency such as a high viewing tendency regarding character strings is acquired. Also, information such as program genres and performers is obtained from the program content information indicated by BML included in the electronic program guide and broadcast waves, and the genre and appearance are similarly determined from the number of channel selections (channel access). For example, a content viewing tendency such as a high viewing tendency for a user is acquired. Further, for example, by analyzing the temporal continuity of an access log derived from TV viewing and an access log derived from the Internet, for example, “Web page browsed after viewing TV program A” or the like as content viewing tendency information It may be calculated.

  In this embodiment, various processes may be performed using such content viewing tendency information. Specifically, for example, as described above, keywords related to keywords automatically indicated by the keywords indicated by the content viewing tendency information derived from Internet browsing or the keywords indicated by the content viewing tendency information derived from the television viewing. Update information notification of Web pages, new search processing, and the like can be given.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the above functional components are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the process of calculating a cross-viewing tendency of access logs will be described with reference to this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (2801), “main memory” (2802), “flash memory” (2803), and “VRAM” (2804). ”,“ Display ”(2805),“ remote control light receiving unit ”(2806),“ tuner ”(2807), and“ communication IF ”(2808).

  Then, as described in the first embodiment, the central channel menu generated by assigning the TV broadcast channel ID and channel number and assigning the IP address to another channel number is displayed on the “display”, Accept access operation input.

  Then, according to the log analysis program read to the “main memory”, the “CPU” searches the channel menu table using the channel number indicated by the remote control operation signal as a key, and acquires the assigned content ID. In addition, the time when the remote control operation signal is received using an internal clock or the like is acquired as the access time. Further, as described above, electronic program guide information and tag information may be acquired. The acquired information is stored at a predetermined address of the “main memory” and recorded in the “flash memory” as an access log.

  Subsequently, in order to analyze the access log recorded in the “flash memory”, for example, at a predetermined timing (eg, every week), the “CPU” reads the access log to the address 5 of the “main memory” according to the log analysis program. . Then, the “CPU” executes a size comparison process between the number of accesses to the “car site” indicated in the access log and a preset threshold value according to the program. As a result, when a determination result indicating that the number of accesses exceeds the threshold value is output, “car” is acquired as content viewing tendency information and stored in address 6 of “main memory”.

  Then, using such content viewing tendency information, for example, the “CPU” can execute an automatic recording reservation process using “car” as a keyword in accordance with a program or a blog update check process. .

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  First, the channel menu is generated to be usable by the processing flow as described in the above embodiment (step S2901). Then, reception of use of the channel menu is started (step S2902). When use is accepted, an access log for use is recorded in a log recording unit such as a flash memory (step S2903). Based on the recorded TV broadcast channel ID and IP address access log, cross-sectional content viewing tendency information between the television media and the Internet media is calculated (step S2904). Then, using the content viewing tendency information, for example, various processes such as an automatic recording reservation process and a blog update check process are executed.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, by using the channel menu that allows the television broadcast channel ID and IP address to be selected centrally by the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, access logs to both can also be acquired centrally. Therefore, a cross-sectional viewing tendency can be calculated for both. Then, using the calculated viewing tendency, for example, various processes such as an automatic recording reservation process and a blog update check process can be executed.

  Example 7

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the above embodiment, and relates to a content viewing apparatus and a web browsing method for displaying a web page by adding a predetermined alphanumeric character in the vicinity of a link destination or an input form. . Therefore, not only switching between TV viewing and Internet browsing, but also operations such as link designation in Internet browsing can be performed centrally by the remote controller.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a web page is displayed using a conventional browser. As shown in FIG. 30, various information is described on the web page, and the mouse cursor is overlaid on an object such as a photograph, a sentence, or a button to which a link is pasted. , It is possible to access the link destination. In such a display screen, it is unclear as to which part the link is affixed, with a glance, except for the text part.

  On the other hand, FIG. 31 shows an example in which a web page similar to FIG. 30 is displayed on the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 31, numbers such as 001, 002,... Are added in the vicinity of each link destination, and it can be determined by glance at which part the link is attached. Further, by applying the present invention, it is possible to access the corresponding link destination by pressing a numeric keypad corresponding to a number such as 001, 002,... Displayed on the screen. is there.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 32 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. Note that FIG. 32 shows only the constituent features characteristic of the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, and the illustration of other configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiment is omitted. That is, as shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” of the present embodiment has “communication image acquisition means” (3200) in the Internet browser portion not shown, based on the second embodiment. Yes.

  The feature of the present embodiment is that this communication image acquisition means includes a “document data acquisition unit” (3201), a “web page screen configuration information generation unit” (3202), and a “tag information extraction unit” (3203). ”,“ Ten-key character screen configuration information generation unit ”(3204), and“ screen display unit ”(3205).

  The “document data acquisition unit” (3201) acquires document data described in a markup language format. The “markup language format” is a description format in which a sentence structure and modification information are described in a sentence by enclosing a part of the document with a special character string called “tag”. More specifically, SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) format, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, XML (extensible Markup Language) format, BML (Broadcast Language) format, etc. “Document data” is text data described in these markup language formats. The document data acquisition is, for example, in the case of the HTML format. For example, a predetermined web server is requested to receive an HTML file using the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) protocol, and as a result, the HTML from the web server is obtained. Is to get the file.

  The “web page screen configuration information generation unit” (3202) generates web page screen configuration information for display display based on the acquired document data. “Web page screen configuration information for display display” is information that configures a web page screen displayed when a normal browser or the like is used. Specifically, it is information necessary for displaying a screen on a graphic controller, a graphic memory, or the like when displaying a web page screen. A conventional browser displays a web page based on the web page screen configuration information. The present embodiment is characterized in that a web page is displayed based on numeric keypad screen configuration information described later in addition to the web page screen configuration information. The present embodiment is also characterized in that, unlike the embodiments described later, the acquired document data is not modified.

  The “tag information extraction unit” (3203) extracts input tag information which is tag information for user input graphic display included in the acquired document data. The “user input graphic display” is a display about the user input interface on the web page display screen. Specifically, the display of the link destination and the display of an object related to an input form such as a text box, a radio button, a check button, a select part, and a button are applicable. “Tag information” refers to information about tags included in the markup language format as described above. Specifically, the tag is displayed in the form of a start tag “<XX>” and an end tag “</ XX>” (XX is a predetermined tag character string). “Input tag information” refers to tag information for such user input graphic display.

  The tag information extraction unit extracts input tag information. For example, the tag information extraction unit may have a configuration that can be arbitrarily set as to which tag is used as input tag information. In other words, the input data extraction unit has input tag information setting means for setting which tag is extracted as input tag information, and it is possible to extract only the tag corresponding to the setting as input tag information. is there. By performing the extraction setting of the input tag information in this way, it becomes possible to arbitrarily set whether or not to add a numeric keypad character to be described later. Improvement can be expected.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram partially showing an example of document data described in the HTML format. In the tag shown in the example of FIG. 33, for example, a tag described as “<input type = ***>” or “<a href=***>” (*** is an arbitrary character string) Is the input tag information referred to in the present embodiment. When the document data shown in FIG. 33 is displayed by a conventional browser, for example, a web page as shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a user input graphic display. In Fig. 34, a text box for the user to enter a name, another radio button for men and women, a check box for checking hobbies, a link to a help page, etc. are displayed on the web page as a user input graphic display. Has been. These user input graphic displays are a part where the user wants some input action for the user of the web page, and in this embodiment, it is possible to easily access such a part. Improvement of convenience can be expected not only for a user who is a web page viewer but also for a user who is a web page provider.

  The “ten-key character screen configuration information generation unit” (3204) is located near the user input graphic display area of the web page screen generated by the web page screen configuration information based on the input tag information extracted by the tag information extraction unit. The ten key character screen configuration information for adding a predetermined ten key character that can be distinguished from other user input graphic displays in the web page is generated. That is, the numeric keypad character screen configuration information generation unit (3204) generates numeric keypad character screen configuration information based on the input tag information. The numeric keypad screen configuration information includes a predetermined numeric keypad character that can be distinguished from other user input graphic displays in the web page in the vicinity of the user input graphic display area of the web page screen generated by the web page screen configuration information. It is information to add.

  The “web page screen generated by the web page screen configuration information” refers to a screen of a web page that should be displayed by a conventional ordinary browser. The “near user input graphic display area” means the vicinity of the display area when the link destination or the input form described above is displayed on the screen. As an example, there are a rear part of a character or the like indicating a link, a front part, or upper and lower parts of a user input graphic display area. In addition, when the user input graphic area is a text box, the text box corresponds to the “neighborhood” here. In addition, “near” includes, for example, making a numeric keypad translucent and superimposing it on a user input graphic display area. The “neighborhood” includes various arrangements as described above, but these arrangements may be unified. In other words, when “near” is set as the rear part of the user input graphic area, all the numeric keypad characters may be displayed so as to be displayed behind the user input graphic area.

  “Within the web page” refers to the web page screen displayed by the acquired document data. The “predetermined numeric keypad characters” may include, for example, hiragana, katakana, and even kanji in addition to numbers and English characters. That is, the content viewing apparatus of the present invention includes a PC that can be operated using a mobile phone as one embodiment, but in the case of a mobile phone, characters such as hiragana can be operated using a numeric keypad. Since it is possible, the predetermined numeric keypad characters include various characters in addition to simple numbers. The predetermined numeric keypad characters can be distinguished from other user input graphic displays in the web page, and the linked web page can be browsed by inputting the numeric keypad characters into the content viewing device. Alternatively, the input form can be activated. Specifically, the numeric keypad screen configuration information acquires information related to the pixel position of the user input graphic area displayed on the web page from the web page screen configuration information, and adds the numeric keypad character in the vicinity of the display pixel position. Information for output.

  In the numeric keypad screen configuration information, when displaying a web page screen to which a numeric keypad character to be described later is displayed, access to the link destination is executed according to the input of the numeric keypad character to be displayed, or Information for executing an operation for activating the input form may be included. For example, it is possible to include, in the tenkey character screen configuration information, a program that describes a numeric keypad character to be displayed and an operation when the numeric keypad character is input, using the Script language or the like. Specific examples of activating an input form include moving a check portion of a radio button, switching a check box ON / OFF, and moving a cursor to a text box. In addition, a software keyboard may be activated for a free-style character input form. For example, when the ten-key character “001” is input once, the color of the portion indicating the ten-key character “001” may be changed. By changing the color in this way, it is possible to clearly distinguish a portion that has already been selected from a portion that has not been selected. Further, when “001” is displayed as the numeric keypad character, when “1” is simply input, the processing may be performed as if “001” has been input. Further, the “001” portion is a toggle switch, and it may be set to perform different operations depending on the number of times “001” is input. In this example, three-digit alphanumeric characters are given as examples of numeric keypad characters, but it is needless to say that one-digit or two-digit alphanumeric characters may be used.

  Further, the numeric keypad characters may be assigned numbers as 001, 002,... From the top of the screen, or numbers may be assigned as 001, 002,. It is also convenient to create a rule that gives a predetermined numeric key character according to the type of user input graphic display. In other words, when a link destination is indicated, for example, “001” or “L01” is displayed by setting the beginning of a three-digit character to “0” or “L”. Can be utilized as identification information indicating which user input graphic display is (in this case, a display indicating a link destination), and convenience is further improved. It should be noted that the number addition order, the numeric keypad addition rule, and the like may be freely set by the user.

  In addition, in order to distinguish from a channel number of usually 1 to 2 digits to which a television broadcast content ID or IP address is assigned in the above embodiment, the numeric keypad character generated here may be a 3-digit number string, for example.

  In that case, a digit number determination unit that determines the number of digits of the number string received according to the user's button operation is realized by a CPU or the like, and the digit number is determined by one to two digits according to the determination result of the number of digits. If there is, the above determination unit may further determine either the TV broadcast content ID or the IP address. With this configuration, the user can easily distinguish between the television viewing and Internet browsing switching operation and the Internet link designation operation.

  The “screen display unit” (3205) displays a web page screen to which ten-key characters are added based on the web page screen configuration information and the ten-key character screen configuration information. As a method of displaying “based on the web page screen configuration information and the numeric keypad screen configuration information”, for example, first, a web page screen display information is created using the web page screen configuration information, and the web There is a method of superimposing a ten key character using ten key character screen configuration information on the display image of the page screen. As another example, when displaying a web page screen, a portion to which a numeric keypad is added is determined in advance using the numeric keypad character screen configuration information first, and then the web page screen configuration information is used. For example, when displaying a web page, the number key character is added to the part.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a web page screen to which ten-key characters are added in this way. FIG. 35 shows an example in which the web page screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed as a web page screen to which ten-key characters are added using the content viewing apparatus of this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 35, all numeric keypad characters are added to all user input graphic displays. However, as already explained, which user input graphic display to add numeric keypad characters depends on the setting. For example, in the example of FIG. 35, it is also possible to display by adding the ten-key character “001” only to the “help” portion indicating the link.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 36A is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment. Here, first, as described in the above embodiment, generation of a channel menu and acquisition of a channel number are executed. When the determination result for the content ID indicated by the acquired channel number is output as a result of determination that the content ID indicates an IP address, the browser control command causes the Internet browser unit to mark the web Acquires document data described in an up-language format. And in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of a present Example, the step shown below is performed for every acquisition. First, in step S3601, document data is acquired. Next, in step S3602, web page screen configuration information for display display is generated based on the document data acquired in step S3601. In step S3603, input tag information that is tag information for user input graphic display included in the document data acquired in step S3601 is extracted. Note that the input tag information extracted in step S3603 may extract only the set input tag information when information related to the extraction target tag is set in advance.

  In step S3604, ten-key character screen configuration information for adding ten-key characters in the vicinity of the user input graphic display area of the web page screen is generated based on the tag information extracted in step S3603. In step S 3605, the web page screen with the ten key characters added is displayed based on the web page screen configuration information generated in step S 3602 and the ten key character screen configuration information generated in step S 3604.

  FIG. 36B is a diagram showing the flow of processing when the user inputs a numeric keypad character after executing the processing shown in FIG. 36A, for example. In step S3606, input character data is obtained from the user. In step S3607, processing corresponding to the input character data acquired in step S3606, for example, access processing to the link destination if a link is specified, or activation of a software keyboard if the character input form is executed. .

  The above processing flow can be implemented as a program to be executed by a computer or a readable storage medium storing the program (the same applies to the description of the processing flow in this specification). ).

    <Specific embodiment>

  FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a specific configuration aspect of the content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a physical configuration including a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD (hard disk drive), an external interface such as a LAN cable, a graphic controller, a graphic memory, and the like. Hardware (3701). Logically, an operating system (3702), which is basic software for abstracting the functions of the hardware (3701) and managing the operation of the hardware (3701), operates, and a document data acquisition module thereon. (3703), web page screen configuration information generation module (3704), tag information extraction module (3705), numeric keypad screen information generation module (3706), and screen display module (3707), respectively, “document data” shown in FIG. "Acquisition unit" (3201), "web page screen configuration information generation unit" (3202), "tag information extraction unit" (3203), "tenkey character screen configuration information generation unit" (3204), "screen display" Part "(3205), and a program including a module that realizes To work. This program executes, for example, the processing shown in FIG.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The CPU (3801) that has read the web browsing command described in the web browsing program stored in the ROM (3803), the HDD (3804) or the like interprets the command and sends a document data acquisition request to the external interface ( 3807). Thereafter, the document data acquired through the external interface (3807) is stored and held in, for example, the RAM (3802) constituting the document data acquisition unit together with the external interface. After that, the web page screen configuration is generated by the CPU (3801), RAM (3802), ROM (3803), HDD (3804), etc. constituting the web page screen configuration information generation unit, tag information extraction unit, and numeric keypad screen configuration information generation unit. Information and numeric keypad character screen configuration information are generated. Specifically, the CPU (3801) interprets an instruction described in the program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 36 stored in the ROM (3803), the HDD (3804), etc., and is generated as a result. The information is temporarily stored in the RAM (3802). Then, the CPU (3801) issues a command for displaying the web page with the ten key characters added based on the web page screen configuration information temporarily stored in the RAM (3802) and the ten key character screen configuration information. When output, the graphic controller (3805) constituting the screen display unit outputs a command for displaying the web page displayed by the information to the graphic memory (3806) on a display outside the figure. The web page screen with the numeric keypad characters added is displayed on the display.

    <Brief description of effect>

  The content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment reads an existing web page, extracts tag information for user input graphic display, and allows a predetermined numeric keypad character to be added based on the tag information. Convenience is improved when the content viewing apparatus is remotely operated by a remote controller or a mobile phone. In addition, because it is possible to display a web page with a predetermined numeric keypad in the vicinity of the user input graphic display area of the existing web page, it is possible to grasp the link destination and input form at a glance, and the functionality of the web page Will improve.

  In addition, in such a content viewing apparatus that can perform a TV viewing and Internet browsing switching operation seamlessly on a single browser and centrally with a single remote control, a link in an HTML document, etc. By assigning a number to the link and adding a function such as executing access to the link by specifying a number as described above, almost all operations including link specification in Internet browsing can be performed with one remote control. Can be executed centrally.

  Accordingly, it is possible to remove a wall of an input device resulting from a difference between a so-called 10-foot UI and a 2-foot UI in a living PC or the like, and provide a suitable operation system for a user to watch TV and browse the Internet in the living room. it can.

  Example 8

    <Overview>

  Unlike the content viewing apparatus described in the seventh embodiment, the content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment displays a web page to which ten-key characters are added as in the seventh embodiment by modifying the description content of the acquired document data. It is characterized by having a function.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram according to the present embodiment. Note that FIG. 32 shows only the constituent features characteristic of the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, and the illustration of other configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiment is omitted. That is, as shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” of the present embodiment has “communication image acquisition means” (3900) in the Internet browser section (not shown) based on the second embodiment. Yes.

  The feature of the present embodiment is that this communication image acquisition means includes a “document data acquisition unit” (3901), a “tag information extraction unit” (3902), a “document data modification unit” (3903), It consists of a “modified web page screen configuration information generating unit” (3904) and a “modified screen display unit” (3905). The “document data acquisition unit” and the “tag information extraction unit” are the same as those described in the seventh embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The “document data modifying unit” (3903) is located in the vicinity of the user input graphic display area of the web page screen to be generated by the document data based on the input tag information extracted by the tag information extracting unit. The acquired document data is modified to be modified document data so that a predetermined numeric key character that can be distinguished from other user input graphic displays is added. That is, the document data modification unit modifies the document data based on the input tag information to obtain modified document data.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of modified document data. Characters shown in dotted circles in FIG. 40 indicate portions where the document data is modified. By modifying the document data in this way, ten-key characters can be added near the user input graphic display area. In the example of FIG. 40, an example in which the document data is modified so as to add a text document is shown. However, in addition to this, “<img src = ***>” is displayed so that an icon indicating a numeric keypad character is displayed. As described above, document data can be modified to display image data. When modifying the document data, for example, in the HTML format, modify the document data so that the “<tag name>” is set to “<tag name accesskey = KEY>” and the access key is set. May be. By setting this access key, it is possible to execute access to the tag portion without adding a program written in the Script language or the like to the document data.

  The “modified web page screen configuration information generation unit” (3904) generates modified web page screen configuration information for display display based on the modified document data. “Modified web page screen configuration information” indicates almost the same content as the web page screen configuration information described in the seventh embodiment. The difference is not the acquired document data, but the modified version after the acquisition. This is a part for generating web page screen configuration information for display display based on document data. In addition, when there is a character input corresponding to the numeric keypad character to be displayed, a program that recognizes the character input and activates the corresponding user input graphic display area or performs processing to access the link destination The modified web page screen configuration information may be generated so as to display a web page screen incorporating the above.

  The “modified screen display unit” (3905) displays the modified web page screen based on the modified web page screen configuration information. The web page displayed in this way is the same web page as when using the content viewing apparatus described in the seventh embodiment. In other words, unlike the seventh embodiment, the eighth embodiment modifies the document data, but the web page screen displayed as a result is the same.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 41A is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment. Here, first, as described in the above embodiment, generation of a channel menu and acquisition of a channel number are executed. When the determination result for the content ID indicated by the acquired channel number is output as a result of determination that the content ID indicates an IP address, the browser control command causes the Internet browser unit to mark the web Acquires document data described in an up-language format. And in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of a present Example, the step shown below is performed for every acquisition. Note that steps S4101 and S4102 are the same as those described in the seventh embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  In step S4103, the document data acquired in step S4101 is modified so that a numeric keypad character is added near the user input graphic display area on the web page screen based on the input tag information extracted in step S4102. The modified document data. In step S4104, modified web page screen configuration information for display display is generated based on the modified document data. In step S4105, the modified web page screen is displayed based on the modified web page screen configuration information generated in step S4104.

  FIG. 41B is a diagram showing the flow of processing when a numeric keypad is input by the user after executing the processing shown in FIG. In step S4106, input character data is obtained from the user. In step S4107, processing corresponding to the input character data acquired in step S4106 is executed, for example, if a link is designated, access processing to the link destination, if it is a character input form, activation of a software keyboard is executed. .

    <Specific embodiment>

  FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a specific configuration aspect of the content viewing apparatus in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 42, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized as hardware (4201) as a physical configuration, similarly to the content viewing apparatus described in the seventh embodiment. Logically, an operating system (4202), which is basic software for abstracting the functions of the hardware (4201) and managing the operation of the hardware (4201), operates, and a document data acquisition module thereon (4203), tag information extraction module (4204), document data modification module (4205), modified web page screen configuration information generation module (4206), and modified screen display module (4207), respectively, “document data” shown in FIG. "Acquisition unit" (3901), "tag information extraction unit" (3902), "document data modification unit" (3903), "modified web page screen configuration information generation unit" (3904), "modified screen display unit" ”(3905)”, a program including a module is executed. . This program executes, for example, the processing shown in FIG.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The CPU (4301) that has read the web browsing command described in the web browsing program stored in the ROM (4303), the HDD (4304) or the like interprets the command and sends a document data acquisition request to the external interface ( 4307). Thereafter, the document data acquired through the external interface (4307) is stored and held in, for example, the RAM (4302) constituting the document data acquisition unit together with the external interface.

  Thereafter, the modified web page screen configuration is configured by the CPU (4301), RAM (4302), ROM (4303), HDD (4304), etc. constituting the tag information extraction unit, document data modification unit, and modified web page screen configuration information generation unit. Generated. Specifically, the CPU (4301) interprets an instruction described in the program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 41 stored in the ROM (4303), the HDD (4304) or the like, and the RAM (4302). The document data stored and stored in is modified so that a numeric keypad character is added and rewritten to the modified document data. When the CPU (4301) generates modified web page screen configuration information from the modified document data and outputs a command for displaying the modified web page based on the information, the graphic controller that configures the modified screen display unit (4305) outputs to the graphic memory (4306) a command to display a web page displayed by the information on a display outside the figure, and as a result, a web page screen with a numeric keypad added to the display outside the figure. Will be displayed.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment can also exhibit the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to remove a wall of an input device resulting from a difference between a so-called 10-foot UI and a 2-foot UI in a living PC or the like, and provide a suitable operation system for a user to watch TV and browse the Internet in the living room. it can.

  Example 9

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment relates to a multimedia terminal capable of controlling a tuner unit by an operation on the Internet browser side. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment. By controlling the tuner unit from browser software for browsing the Internet, a television program 4411 can be displayed on the display screen 4410 of the browser software as shown in FIG.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 45, the “multimedia terminal” 4500 according to the ninth embodiment includes a “tuner unit” 4501 and an “Internet browser unit” 4503 including a “control unit” 4502.

  Each unit, which is a component of the present invention, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when a computer is used, hardware composed of a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, a peripheral device, and the like, and software executable on these hardware are listed. Can do. Specifically, the functions of each part are realized by processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input through the interface by sequentially executing the program expanded on the memory (this book) The same applies throughout the specification).

  The “multimedia terminal” 4500 is a terminal capable of viewing a television program and browsing each site on the Internet. Specifically, a personal computer, a mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), etc. are mentioned. These multimedia terminals have, for example, an antenna for receiving broadcast waves or a network interface for connecting to the Internet. In addition, you may have the antenna for wireless LAN (Local Area Network) for connecting to the internet.

  The “tuner unit” 4501 includes a tuner that receives and selects a broadcast and obtains an audio / video signal. Specific examples of the tuner unit include a video capture card including a converter, an MPEG encoder, and the like in addition to the tuner. In a multimedia terminal such as a personal computer, a function for displaying video from a video capture card has been conventionally used. However, there is no relevance to browsing the Internet, and as a user, when both a TV program and browsing the Internet are performed at the same time, the window screen must be changed each time. It was.

  The “Internet browser unit” 4503 includes a control unit 4502 that controls the tuner unit.

  The “control unit” 4502 controls the tuner unit. For example, a broadcasting station is selected by controlling tuning processing in a tuner. In addition, the control unit may control a device (such as a card or a board) having a video capture function including a tuner as described above.

  The internet browser unit 4503 is a functional unit having such a control unit. The Internet browser unit is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, and has a browser function for browsing the Internet. The browser function refers to, for example, obtaining a file document described in a markup language format such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format or XML (Extensible Markup Language) format from a server device, interpreting the file document, and a web page. Is displayed. In addition, the browser function includes various application functions incorporated (plugged in) in the browser software.

  The Internet browser unit in this embodiment is characterized in that it has a control unit for controlling the tuner unit as already described. In other words, by including the function of controlling the tuner unit as a function of the Internet browser software, a broadcast station can be selected on the browser screen, and a TV program broadcast on the selected broadcast station can be displayed. It becomes possible. Conventionally, a TV broadcast is received by a tuner, and a dedicated application for displaying the TV broadcast is separately displayed on the screen. Therefore, there is no link / integration between the Internet browser and the TV program. However, as in this embodiment, the Internet browser unit has a control unit that controls the tuner unit, so that it is possible to browse web pages while watching TV programs in the same window screen. Become. As a result, it is possible to execute so-called fusion of broadcasting and communication mainly with operations from the Internet side. Hereinafter, this advantage will be described.

  First, in the recent fusion of broadcasting and communication, the communication part is complemented by using the data broadcasting part included in the digital television broadcast. In other words, it is handled mainly by broadcasting and by subordinate communications. However, as explained in the background section, in the case of digital TV broadcasting, users from the broadcasting station side, such as accessing the official homepage of the TV program or accessing a related mail order site, etc. It was intended to access only a specific site. Moreover, when such a site is accessed, the display screen is switched from the TV program to the Internet browser screen, so that both cannot be viewed on the same screen. Thus, the recent fusion of broadcasting and communication has many restrictions on users and is far from true fusion.

  However, as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize true fusion of broadcasting and communication by mainly operating from the Internet side. That is, by enabling control of the tuner unit by the Internet browser unit, first, it becomes possible to display a television program on the screen of an application that realizes the Internet browser function. As a result, the user can browse the Internet as desired while listening to the television program. And about the browsing of the Internet, it is possible to browse a user's free site, not a site forced by a broadcasting station. Therefore, the user can freely browse the Internet site and select a broadcasting station without any restrictions.

  In particular, in recent years, broadband has become widespread in general households, and large-screen thin displays have permeated households. It is expected that the lifestyle of browsing the Internet on the large screen in the living room will be widely adopted. . In such a case, it is possible to propose a lifestyle that combines broadcasting and communication by displaying a television program on the screen of an application that implements the Internet browser function.

    <Specific configuration mode>

  FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 46A, the multimedia terminal includes each application based on hardware including a tuner unit, basic software (OS), firmware located between the hardware and basic software, and the like. Module is installed. The Internet browser module includes a control module that controls the hardware of the tuner unit.

  FIG. 46B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the hardware portion of FIG. As shown in FIG. 46B, the multimedia terminal of this embodiment includes a tuner 4601 and an MPEG encoder 4602 as a tuner unit, a CPU 4603, a RAM 4604, a ROM 4605, a hard disk (HD) 4606, and a video memory as an Internet browser unit. 4607, a network interface 4608, and the like. In addition, although not shown, examples include a display, a user input interface, a conversion circuit for converting a color signal, and the like.

  Hereinafter, an example of a specific operation will be described. The CPU performs various control processes according to the application program of the Internet browser read from the HD or ROM to the RAM. First, the CPU acquires an Internet web page and the like via a network interface. On the other hand, the CPU outputs a control command for the video capture card through the bus. This control command is a command for selecting which broadcast station is selected by the tuner, or a command for sending an MPEG streaming broadcast video signal encoding a video signal of a television broadcast wave to the video memory. Then, the CPU executes a process of displaying the MPEG streaming broadcast video signal in the video memory and the web page acquired by Internet communication in accordance with the program read into the RAM.

    <Brief description of effect>

  In the ninth embodiment, since the Internet browser unit has a control unit for controlling the tuner unit, it is possible to select a broadcasting station by processing from the Internet browser side. It is possible to audition TV programs while browsing.

  Example 10

    <Overview>

  The tenth embodiment relates to a multimedia terminal characterized by arranging a broadcast television program and a web page screen acquired via Internet communication into one screen.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 47, the “multimedia terminal” 4700 according to the tenth embodiment includes a “tuner unit” 4701 and an “Internet browser unit” 4703. The internet browser unit 4703 includes a “control unit” 4702, “broadcast video acquisition unit” 4704, “communication image acquisition unit” 4705, and “arrangement unit” 4706. Since the components other than the broadcast video acquisition unit 4704, the communication image acquisition unit 4705, and the arrangement unit 4706 are the same as those described in the ninth embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  “Broadcast video acquisition means” 4704 acquires an image via the tuner unit. Here, “image” means a static unit when displayed on a display, and in a broad sense, video can also be included. That is, the video is configured by continuously displaying a plurality of images, and acquiring an image is synonymous with acquiring a video including a large number of images. The broadcast video acquisition means corresponds to, for example, a video memory as already described.

  “Communication image acquisition means” 4705 acquires an image via the Internet. Note that “image” here also means a static unit when displayed on the display, and does not indicate only an image file such as a JPEG file. In the communication image acquisition means, for example, not only an image to be displayed by an HTML document file but also a streaming video to be displayed using plug-in software or the like is referred to here. Included in acquisition of “image”. The communication image acquisition means corresponds to, for example, a video memory as already described.

  An “arranging unit” 4706 arranges the images acquired by the two image acquiring units on one screen. Arranging on one screen includes, for example, displaying in one window screen of an Internet browser. That is, processing is performed so that a television program and an Internet web page are displayed in the same window. As an arrangement method, the window screen is divided into a plurality of frame areas, and an Internet web page (communication image) or broadcast video image is allocated to the frame area. Processing can be realized.

  FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen arranged by the arranging means. In FIG. 48A, it is assumed that the soccer relay image indicated by 4802 is a broadcast video image, and the other images are Internet communication images. Reference numerals 4803 and 4804 display screens of streaming programs via the Internet communication. In 4801, a web page on the Internet is browsed. As described above, by arranging and displaying the broadcast video on a part of the browser screen, it is possible to browse the Internet while viewing the TV program. In FIG. 48A, the broadcast video screen is shown in the upper right part of the screen, but it is of course possible to change the arrangement.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 48B, the display positions of the Internet communication image and the broadcast video image may be changed. Thus, for example, a web page is normally browsed on the Internet, and when a broadcast video program reaches a climax or the like, an Internet communication image and a broadcast video are displayed in order to display the broadcast video mainly. It is also possible to change the display position with the image. In addition, even if there are parts of interest in the TV program of the broadcast video, not only the official homepage but also other sites can be easily accessed like the normal Internet, improving usability Can be made.

  In FIG. 48, the broadcast video screen is described as being only 4802. However, by increasing the number of tuners, a plurality of broadcast video screens may be displayed in one browser screen. Of course it is possible.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 49 shows an example of the processing flow in the tenth embodiment. The processing in this embodiment includes the following steps. The following processing flow can be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute or a readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  First, a broadcast video image is acquired via the tuner unit (S4901). Next, an image of communication via the Internet is acquired (S4902). S4901 and S4902 may be performed in the reverse order, or may be performed in parallel. Then, the images acquired in the acquisition steps of S4901 and S4902 are arranged on one screen (S4903). Thereafter, although not shown in the figure, by displaying the arranged screen on a display or the like, it is possible to perform display in which the image of the broadcast video and the communication image are arranged on one screen.

  <Specific configuration mode>

  FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 50, the multimedia terminal of this embodiment includes a tuner 5001 as an tuner unit, an MPEG encoder 5002, a CPU 5003 as an Internet browser unit, a RAM 5004, a ROM 5005, a hard disk (HD) 5006, a video memory 5007, a network. The interface 5008 is configured. More specifically, it has a video memory 5007 as broadcast video acquisition means and communication image acquisition means, and a CPU 5003 and RAM 5004 as arrangement units. In addition, although not shown, examples include a display, a user input interface, a conversion circuit for converting a color signal, and the like.

  The operation of the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described below. The video memory stores broadcast video images transmitted from the MPEG encoder and communication images such as web pages acquired from the Internet via the network interface. At this time, the CPU performs, for example, a process of dividing the window screen into a plurality of frames and displaying each image on the corresponding frame according to the program. Thereafter, information about a screen to be displayed on a display (not shown) or the like is output from the video memory, and a display screen in which a broadcast video screen and a communication screen are arranged in one screen is displayed on the display.

  <Brief description of effect>

  In the tenth embodiment, various usage modes can be realized by arranging the image of the broadcast video and the communication screen on one screen. For this reason, since users can handle both broadcasts and communications as a whole without being conscious of broadcasting and communications, it is possible to realize a fusion of broadcasting and communications to dramatically improve user convenience. It becomes.

  Example 11

    <Overview>

  FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen and an operation in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 51 (a), on the display screen of the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, for example, the channel menu α is displayed on the left side of the channel menu α on the screen. In the channel menu α, channel numbers “1 (Japan Broadcasting)”, “2 (Kanto Television)”, and “3 (TV C)” to which television broadcasting channels are assigned are shown. At the same time, the channel numbers “13 (portal Y)”, “14 (easy auction)”,... To which the Internet site (IP address) is assigned are also shown together with the television broadcast channel.

  Then, when the user presses the channel number “1” on the remote control or the operation panel, for example, as shown in FIG. 51A, the Japan broadcast is received and the broadcast program is displayed on the display. If the user presses the channel number “13” on the remote control or the operation panel, for example, the browser is activated and access to the portal Y is executed as shown in FIG. 51B. The site is displayed.

  As described above, in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the user can perform the television viewing and the Internet browsing operation in an integrated manner (seamlessly) without distinguishing them.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The “content viewing device” refers to a device having a function for displaying various contents including Internet content and television content. For example, a television device with an Internet access function, a network client PC with a TV reception function, a television Examples include tuner-equipped mobile phones.

  As shown in FIG. 52, the “content viewing device” (5200) of this embodiment includes a “selection list holding unit” (5201), an “allocation unit” (5202), and a “channel menu output unit”. (5203).

  Note that the functional blocks of the content viewing apparatus described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a main memory, a bus, or a secondary storage device (a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, a storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, a reading drive for the medium, etc.), a printing device And display devices, hardware components such as other external peripheral devices, I / O ports for the external peripheral devices, driver programs and other application programs for controlling these hardware, and users used for information input Examples include interfaces.

  Then, by CPU processing according to the program developed on the main memory, the data input via the interface and stored in the memory and hard disk are processed and stored, and the above hardware and software are controlled. Instructions are generated.

  In addition, the present invention can be realized not only as the content viewing apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software and a recording medium in which the product is fixed to a recording medium are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention (the same applies throughout the present specification). Is).

  The “selection list holding unit” (5201) has a function of holding a selection list, and can be realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, an HDD (hard disk drive), or other various storage media. The “selection list” held in such a storage medium is a list of TV broadcast channel IDs and IP addresses that are content IDs.

  The “TV broadcast channel ID” refers to information for identifying a TV broadcast channel, and includes a channel number assigned in advance, broadcast frequency band information of the TV broadcast, a broadcast station name, and the like. In addition, a channel number constituting a unified channel menu described later and a channel number which is a channel ID held in this selection list are separate channel numbers. Specifically, the channel number which is the content ID shown in this selection list is a number designated by the broadcasting station to the receiver. For example, a remote control code (number and reception frequency set in advance at the time of shipment of the content viewing apparatus or the like). Is a channel number indicated in a table). On the other hand, a channel number for a remote control menu, which will be described later, refers to a number to which a television broadcast channel ID and an IP address are assigned in an integrated manner by an assigning unit. Therefore, the channel ID “1 (broadcast station / reception frequency band indicated by)” (for example, at the time of shipment) may be assigned to “2” in the channel menu. Of course, the channel ID “1 (broadcast station / reception frequency band indicated by“) ”may be assigned to“ 1 ”also in the channel menu. In addition, the television broadcast channel ID may include identification information of an external input terminal.

  The “IP address” is information for identifying a device on the Internet defined by TCP / IP, and is used here to perform Internet access by designating a channel number indicated by a channel menu described later. Therefore, the IP address used in this selection list may be other identification (address) information used for Internet access, such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

  Further, the content IDs shown in this selection list may be configured so that all selectable contents are shown, or those assigned to channel numbers by the assigning unit described later can be deleted or assigned flags. For example, it may be configured so that it cannot be used for subsequent allocations (only allocation change is possible).

  FIG. 53 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of this selection list. As shown in this figure, the selection list holds a plurality of television broadcast channel IDs as content IDs, for example. At the same time, a plurality of IP addresses are held as content IDs. Then, the completely different TV operation content ID (TV broadcast channel ID) and Internet browsing content ID (IP address) are held in the selection list as shown in FIG. In the channel menu, both are assigned to channel numbers in a unified manner.

  The “assignment unit” (5202) has a function of selecting and assigning an arbitrary content ID from the selection list to the channel number, and can be realized by, for example, a CPU or a main memory. The allocation process by the allocation unit includes, for example, a process of centrally allocating “all” television broadcast station content IDs and IP addresses shown in the selection list in order from the channel number “1” or vacant channel numbers. Can be mentioned. Further, even if the channel number is not available, update allocation may be performed. Or, when the upper limit of the number of channel numbers is determined in advance, a limited number of content IDs are randomly extracted (extracted so that at least both the TV broadcast channel ID and IP address are included) and extracted. A process of randomly assigning contents to channel numbers can also be mentioned.

  Further, as will be described later in Embodiment 13, the user may freely set or change the allocation contents. In addition, a service provider or the like may freely set or change the allocation content via an external server. In this case, as will be described later in Embodiment 14, a specific channel number is The change by the user may be disabled.

  FIG. 54 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a channel menu table showing the allocation relationship between channel numbers and content IDs in this way. As shown in this figure, the television broadcast channel ID “1 (Japan Broadcasting)” is assigned to the channel number “1” of the channel menu by the assigning process in the assigning unit. Similarly, a TV broadcast channel ID “4 (Kanto TV)” is assigned to the channel number “2” of the channel menu, and a TV broadcast channel ID “52 (TV C) is assigned to the channel number“ 3 ”of the channel menu. ) ”Is assigned.

  At the same time, for example, the channel numbers after “13” consecutive with the channel numbers “1”, “2”, “3”,. 0.1 (portal Y) ”and“ 234.2.1.2.3 (easy auction) ”are allocated.

  The “channel menu output unit” (5203) has a function of outputting to the display a channel menu configured from the channel number to which the content ID is allocated by the allocation unit (5202). The display of the channel menu on the display is not only a method of displaying the channel menu alone as a channel menu screen in a 4 × 4 matrix arrangement or the like, but also a method of displaying with a video by, for example, OSD processing, or a video and display There is a method of embedding and displaying a channel menu in the upper and lower or left and right black frame regions inserted in the video data due to the difference in aspect ratio.

  In addition to output by display on the display, automatic sound generation such as "Channel 1 is selected for Japan Broadcasting", ... "Channel 13 is access to Portal Y" for speakers attached to the display. You may comprise so that the audio | voice guidance produced | generated by the process may be output.

  When the user who has viewed (heard) the channel menu output on the display presses the “2ch” button on the remote controller, for example, the content viewing apparatus refers to the table as shown in FIG. Then, it is possible to execute channel selection processing for the reception frequency associated with “4”. In addition, in response to pressing of the “13ch” button on the remote controller that is seamlessly performed with the processing, the content viewing apparatus may start the browser and execute access processing to the IP address “123.0.0.1”. It can be done. Note that this output unit does not necessarily have to always output and display the channel menu on the display. For example, it may be configured such that it is not normally displayed on the display but is residently managed in the background and displayed on the display in accordance with an input command from the user.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the channel menu output process etc. will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, the content viewing apparatus includes a “CPU (central processing unit)” (5501) and a “main memory” (5502) that perform various types of arithmetic processing and realize an allocation unit. . It also receives “flash memory” (5503) which is a selection list holding unit, “VRAM” (5504) and “display” (5505) and “remote control light receiving unit” (5506) which are channel menu output units, and TV broadcasts. "Tuner" (5507) for performing the communication and "communication IF" (5508) for accessing the Internet. They are connected to each other via a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

  A program is read out to the “main memory”, and the “CPU” executes various arithmetic processes by referring to the read out program. In addition, a plurality of addresses are assigned to each of the “main memory” and “flash memory”, and in the arithmetic processing of the “CPU”, the addresses are specified and accessed to store the data. It is possible to perform arithmetic processing using.

  Here, for example, a remote control operation program is read into the “main memory” using a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of an operation input via a GUI (graphical user interface) as a trigger. The “CPU” refers to the remote control operation program and executes the channel menu generation process as follows. In the following, a process of randomly assigning content IDs to empty channels will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another content ID may be assigned to a channel number to which some content ID has already been assigned, or according to user customization through cooperative processing of each hardware configuration as described later in the thirteenth embodiment. Allocation may be performed.

  In this example, first, “CPU” reads a selection list held in “flash memory” in accordance with a remote control operation program. One of the content IDs shown in the selection list is determined by random processing and stored at address 1 of “main memory”. (Here, it is assumed that only the content ID not assigned to the channel number of the channel menu is shown in the selection list.)

  Subsequently, the “CPU” reads the channel menu table held in the “flash memory” in accordance with the remote control operation program. Then, for each channel number indicated in the table, a process for determining whether or not a content ID is assigned is executed. Then, the channel number A for which the determination result that the content ID is not assigned is issued is stored in the address 2 of the “main memory” according to the program.

  Then, according to the program, the “CPU” is assumed that the content ID (here, the TV channel ID) stored at the address 1 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored at the address 2 of the “main memory”. Addition update processing with the above allocation contents is executed to the channel menu table held in the “flash memory”.

  Similarly, an IP address obtained from the selection list and stored in address 3 of “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored in address 4 of “main memory”, and additional update processing is executed on the channel menu table. , And so on.

  Then, referring to the channel menu table generated in this way and stored in the “flash memory”, the content viewing apparatus generates a channel menu image by processing such as a video chip (not shown). Then, the generated image is output to “VRAM”, and for example, a channel menu as shown in FIG. 51 is displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, when the user who views the channel menu presses the “2” button on the remote controller, for example, the modulated remote control operation signal “2” is received by the “remote control light receiving unit” of the content viewing apparatus.

  Then, the “CPU” demodulates the received light signal by a “demodulation circuit” (not shown) and stores the acquired remote control operation signal “2” at address 5 of the “main memory”. Then, using the remote control signal as a key, “CPU” refers to a channel menu table as shown in FIG. 54 held in “flash memory”, and “TV broadcast” is a content ID assigned to the operation signal. Channel ID: 4 ”is acquired. Then, referring to a remote control code table (not shown) held in “flash memory” or the like, a process of adjusting “tuner” to the reception frequency associated with the “TV broadcast channel ID: 4” is executed. Then, the broadcast program received by the “tuner” is displayed on the “display”.

  In addition, when a button corresponding to the channel number “13” that is displayed together with the channel number “2” in the channel menu is pressed by the remote controller, the remote control operation signal is received by the content viewing device. The In the same manner as described above, the “CPU” refers to the channel menu table according to the program, and acquires the content ID “IP address: 123.0.0.1” assigned to the operation signal “13”.

  Then, since it is an IP address this time, the “CPU” starts the browser according to the program, generates an HTTP request for the IP address, and transmits it from the “communication IF”. The data including the HTML document returned as a response is imaged according to the rendering engine of the browser, stored in “VRAM”, and output and displayed on the “display”.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, an arbitrary television broadcast channel ID is obtained from a selection list held in advance (step S5601). Subsequently, the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number (step S5602).

  Further, an arbitrary IP address is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S5603). Subsequently, the acquired IP address is assigned to the channel number (step S5604). The allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or when an end operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the allocation content is generated (step S5605). Then, the generated channel menu is displayed on the display so as to be usable (step S5606).

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment can display on the display a channel menu in which the TV viewing channel number and the Internet browsing channel number are centrally displayed to the user. Therefore, the user can use the channel menu to execute the television viewing and the Internet browsing operation in a centralized manner (seamlessly) without distinguishing them.

  Example 12

    <Overview>

  FIG. 57 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen and an operation in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 57, the channel menu α is OSD-displayed on the display screen of the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment as in the above embodiment. The present embodiment is characterized in that the channel number to which the execution file is assigned is displayed in the channel menu, for example, such as channel numbers “101: word processing software”, “102: paint software”.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the execution file such as an application can be activated centrally in the channel menu together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and the channel number for Internet browsing.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (5800) of this example is based on the eleventh example, “selection list holding unit” (5801), “allocation unit” (5802), “channel”. Menu output unit "(5803). Since these structural requirements have already been described in the eleventh embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  A feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the “selection list holding unit” further holds an execution file ID as a content ID in the selection list. “Execution file ID” refers to information for identifying a file for executing an application. For example, in addition to an execution file name, a local storage location (address) of the execution file may be used.

  FIG. 59 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a selection list according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the selection list of this embodiment, in addition to a plurality of television broadcast channel IDs and a plurality of IP addresses as shown in FIG. 53, “WordPro.exe” and “PictureView.exe” A plurality of execution file IDs are held.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, this execution file ID is added as an allocation target in the allocation unit. As a result, the channel menu including the channel number to which the execution file ID is assigned by the channel menu output unit is output to the display as shown in FIG.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a content viewing apparatus when the functional components described above are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the channel menu output process etc. will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the eleventh embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (6001), “main memory” (6002), “flash memory” (6003), and “VRAM” (6004). ), “Display” (6005), “remote control light receiving unit” (6006), “tuner” (6007), and “communication IF” (6008).

  As described in the eleventh embodiment, for example, a remote control operation program is read into the “main memory” using a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of an operation input via a GUI as a trigger, and the “CPU” A process of assigning the broadcast channel ID to the channel number and a process of assigning the IP address to another channel number are executed.

  In addition, the present embodiment is characterized in that the following processing is further executed in addition thereto. That is, the “CPU” reads the selection list stored in the “flash memory” according to the remote control operation program. Then, one of the execution file IDs shown in the selection list is determined by random processing and stored at address 5 of “main memory”.

  Subsequently, the “CPU” reads the channel menu table held in the “flash memory” in accordance with the remote control operation program. Then, for each channel number indicated in the table, a process for determining whether or not a content ID is assigned is executed. Then, the channel number C from which the determination result that the content ID is not assigned is issued is stored in the address 6 of the “main memory” according to the program.

  Then, according to the program, the “CPU” holds in the “flash memory” on the assumption that the execution file ID stored in the address 5 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored in the address 6 of the “main memory”. Addition update processing with the above allocation contents is executed to the channel menu table that has been assigned.

  Then, referring to the channel menu table generated in this way and stored in the “flash memory”, the content playback apparatus generates a channel menu image by processing such as a video chip (not shown). Then, the generated image is output to “VRAM”, and a channel menu as shown in FIG. 51, for example, is displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, the user who views the channel menu presses a button corresponding to the channel number “101 (C)” displayed together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and Internet browsing on the remote controller. . Then, according to the remote control operation signal, the “CPU” refers to the channel menu table and acquires the execution file ID. Then, the execution file program indicated by the execution file ID is read into the “main memory” and the execution process of the execution file is performed.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, an arbitrary television broadcast channel ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S6101). Subsequently, the acquired television broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number (step S6102). Further, an arbitrary IP address is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S6103). Subsequently, the acquired IP address is assigned to the channel number (step S6104).

  In addition, an arbitrary execution file ID is acquired from a selection list held in advance (step S6105), and the acquired execution file ID is assigned to another channel number (step S6106).

  Then, the above allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or the end operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the above allocation contents is generated (step S6107). Then, the generated channel menu is displayed on the display so as to be usable (step S6108).

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, with the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, execution of an executable file such as an application can be performed centrally in the channel menu together with the channel number for TV viewing operation and the channel number for Internet browsing.

  Example 13

    <Overview>

  The content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment is based on the above-described Embodiments 11 and 12, and the user arbitrarily customizes the allocation of the content ID (TV broadcast channel ID, IP address, or execution file ID) to the channel number. It is comprised so that it can do.

  FIG. 62 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a user customization screen for assignment. As shown in this figure, for example, for the channel number “2” in the selected channel menu α, the content ID that the user desires to assign from the selection list β displayed on the right, for example, “4 ( Kanto Television) ". Then, the assignment of “TV broadcast channel ID: 4 (Kanto TV)” to the channel number “2” is executed.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing device” (6300) of the present embodiment is based on the eleventh embodiment, and includes a “selection list holding unit” (6301), an “allocation unit” (6302), and a “channel”. Menu output unit "(6303). Further, on the basis of the twelfth embodiment, the selection list holding unit may hold a selection list including an execution file ID. Since these structural requirements have already been described in Examples 11 and 12, the description thereof is omitted.

  A feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the allocation unit further includes an “allocation receiving unit” (6304).

  The “assignment accepting unit” (6304) has a function for accepting an input of assignment of a content ID selected from a channel number and a selection list from a user, for example, an input device that accepts an input operation via a GUI or GUI. Can be realized. In order to provide a seamless operation, it is desirable that an input device for realizing the assignment receiving unit is an input device for selecting a channel menu, such as a remote control device.

  The assignment input accepted by this assignment accepting means is, for example, a new assignment to an empty channel number, a change assignment or deletion assignment of a content ID to an already buried channel number, or a content ID between two or more channel numbers. For example, replacement assignment of. Then, by accepting such assignment processing by the assignment accepting means, the user can customize the channel menu to suit his / her own.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the assignment acceptance process from the user for the channel menu will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (6401), “main memory” (6402), “flash memory” (6403), and “VRAM” (6404). ), “Display” (6405), “remote control light receiving unit” (6406), “tuner” (6407), and “communication IF” (6408).

  Then, for example, when a remote control operation program is read into the “main memory” using a predetermined operation such as power-on or acceptance of an operation input via a GUI as a trigger, the “CPU” follows the program from the “flash memory” to the channel. The menu, selection list, and customization screen template data are read out and stored in the “main memory”. Then, using these data, for example, a customization screen (GUI) as shown in FIG. 62 is generated and displayed on the “display”.

  Subsequently, the content ID and channel number designated by the user are acquired via the customization screen (GUI), and stored in addresses 4 and 5 of the “main memory”, respectively. Then, according to the program, the “CPU” holds in the “flash memory” assuming that the content ID stored at the address 4 of the “main memory” is assigned to the channel number stored at the address 5 of the “main memory”. In other words, an additional update process with the above-mentioned assignment contents is executed on the channel menu table that has been assigned.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 65 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, for example, a customization screen (GUI) for accepting assignment is output to the display (step S6501). Then, an arbitrary TV broadcast channel ID received from the user via the GUI or the like is acquired (step S6502), and the acquired TV broadcast channel ID is assigned to the channel number (step S6503). Further, an arbitrary IP address received from the user via the GUI or the like is acquired (step S6504), and the acquired IP address is assigned to another channel number (step S6505).

  Then, the allocation process is executed until, for example, the number of allocation processes reaches a predetermined number or a termination operation by the user is accepted, and then a channel menu according to the allocation content is generated (step S6506). Then, the generated channel menu is displayed on the display so as to be usable (step S6507).

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily accept designation of allocation content from the user by the allocation receiving unit. Users can therefore customize the channel menu to suit them.

  << Example 14 >>

    <Overview>

  In contrast to the thirteenth embodiment, the present embodiment is configured not to accept an assignment input from the user in the assignment acceptance means for a specific channel number. Further, with respect to the specific channel number, the content ID is assigned according to the assignment input from the external server.

  More specifically, for example, the channel number “1” has a high display order and the visibility to the user is high, and therefore the user cannot freely customize the channel number that is expected to increase the selection frequency. It is. Further, for example, for the channel number “1”, a new business model is constructed in which the channel number is bought and sold by inputting it through an external server so that a content ID related to a business operator who has paid a considerable price is assigned. be able to.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing apparatus” (6600) of the present embodiment is based on the thirteenth embodiment, based on the “selection list holding unit” (6601), “allocation unit” (6602), “channel”. It has a “menu output unit” (6603) and “allocation receiving means” (6604). In addition, since these structural requirements have already been described in the above embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  A feature of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that the allocating unit further includes an “allocation receiving unit” (6605).

  The “assignment receiving means” (6605) does not accept the input from the user to the assignment receiving means for the assignment of the content ID to the specific channel number, but instead of the input from the user, the content ID from a predetermined external server is received. It has a function of receiving an assignment to a specific channel number.

  FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of a channel menu table used for realizing this assignment receiving means. As shown in this figure, in the channel menu table of this embodiment, a flag indicating whether or not “user customization” is possible (◯) or not (×) is added for each channel number. In the present embodiment, for example, when an assignment input from the user is accepted by the assignment accepting means, a determination process for whether to accept or reject the input is performed by looking at the flag regarding the channel number. is there. The flag relating to the “specific channel number” may be configured to be arbitrarily set by a service provider or a user, for example.

  As described above, useful channel numbers such as channel number “1”, for example, are input via an external server so that user customization is added, and instead, for example, content IDs relating to businesses that have paid considerable consideration are allocated. Will be able to. Therefore, a new business model for buying and selling channel numbers can be constructed using the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 68 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing apparatus when the functional components are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the allocation process to a specific channel number and the like will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the eleventh embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (6801), “main memory” (6802), “flash memory” (6803), and “VRAM” (6804). ”,“ Display ”(6805),“ remote control light receiving unit ”(6806),“ tuner ”(6807), and“ communication IF ”(6808).

  Then, as described in the thirteenth embodiment, for example, by accepting an operation input via the GUI, the “CPU” follows the program, and a customization screen (GUI) as shown in FIG. 62, for example, is displayed on the “display”. indicate.

  Subsequently, the channel number designated by the user is stored in the address 1 of the “main memory” via the customization screen (GUI). Then, according to the program, the “CPU” searches the channel menu table with the customizability flag as shown in FIG. 67 held in the “flash memory” using this channel number as a key. If the channel number is flagged as impossible as a result of the search, the assignment input will not be accepted and an error message such as “Cannot change the channel number” prepared in advance will be displayed on the “Display”. Display.

  Further, for example, the IP address and the specific channel number received from the external server through the “communication IF” are stored in the addresses 2 and 3 of the “main memory”, respectively, and the allocation process is executed.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 69 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  As shown in this figure, first, a content ID is acquired from a predetermined external server (step S6901). Subsequently, the acquired content ID is assigned to a specific channel number that does not accept an assignment input from the user (step S6902). Then, a channel menu is generated according to the above-mentioned assignment contents (step S6903), and the generated channel menu is displayed on the display so as to be usable (step S6904).

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, according to the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment, the user cannot freely customize the specific channel number, and the assignment input can be performed only through the external server except for the initial setting. Therefore, it is possible to construct a new business model in which the specific channel number is bought and sold using the content viewing / listening apparatus of the present embodiment.

  Example 15

    <Overview>

  This embodiment uses the channel menu configured to allow the user to centrally perform TV viewing operations and Internet browsing as in the above embodiment, and analyzes the access logs to both, It is characterized by calculating a large viewing tendency.

  FIG. 70 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of analysis of a cross access log in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 70A, for example, the title tag information of the Web page is acquired from the IP address indicated by the Internet browsing access log. Then, from the result of the acquisition, an analysis result “obtains frequent browsing of car (including title and text) site” is acquired. Then, the analysis result of the internet browsing access log is applied to another medium of TV, and the program such as “F1 race” in which the car keyword is associated in the electronic program guide is automatically recorded. The reservation process is executed.

  Or, conversely, as shown in FIG. 70 (b), for example, at the time of TV viewing channel selection (channel access), performer information of the selected program is obtained from the electronic program guide and stored as an access log. . Then, an analysis result of “Frequently watch actor A's round program” is acquired from the access log related to the television viewing. Then, the analysis result of the access log of the TV viewing is applied to Internet browsing as another medium, for example, an RSS feed of the blog of Actor A is acquired, and the update is automatically notified. Condition.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by using the channel menu that allows the selection of the TV broadcast channel ID and the IP address in a centralized manner, the access logs to the both are also obtained in a unified manner, and thus both are crossed. A general viewing tendency can be calculated.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content viewing device” (7100) of the present embodiment is based on the embodiment 11, and includes a “selection list holding unit” (7601), an “allocation unit” (7602), and a “channel”. Menu output unit "(7603). Further, on the basis of the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments, it may further include “allocation receiving means” and “allocation receiving means” (not shown). In addition, since these structural requirements have already been described in Examples 11 to 14, description thereof will be omitted.

  The feature point of the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is that it further includes a “channel log recording unit” (7104) and a “calculation unit” (7105).

  The “channel log recording unit” (7104) has a function of recording a log accessed to each channel by using a channel menu, and can be realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, HDD, or other storage medium. The log recorded here includes, for example, a channel number or content ID indicating an access (channel selection) destination as shown in FIG. 72, or an access time thereof. In addition, as described above, the tag data and body data of the Web page of the access destination are analyzed, or the electronic program guide is referred to from the accessed (tuned) channel, and the access destination attribute information is acquired. Alternatively, it may be recorded as an access log. Further, when a mobile phone is used as an input device (also a content viewing device), the mobile phone ID may be acquired as a user ID, and an access log for each user may be recorded.

  The “calculation unit” (7102) has a function of calculating content viewing tendency information based on both the television broadcast channel ID and the IP address recorded in the channel log recording unit. “Content viewing tendency information” refers to information indicating the viewing tendency of content across media. For example, when the number of times of Internet access to a website including a predetermined character string in a title tag or the like exceeds 10, A content viewing tendency such as a high viewing tendency regarding character strings is acquired. Also, information such as program genres and performers is obtained from the program content information indicated by BML included in the electronic program guide and broadcast waves, and the genre and appearance are similarly determined from the number of channel selections (channel access). For example, a content viewing tendency such as a high viewing tendency for a user is acquired. Further, for example, by analyzing the temporal continuity of an access log derived from TV viewing and an access log derived from the Internet, for example, “Web page browsed after viewing TV program A” or the like as content viewing tendency information It may be calculated.

  In this embodiment, various processes may be performed using such content viewing tendency information. Specifically, for example, as described above, keywords related to keywords automatically indicated by the keywords indicated by the content viewing tendency information derived from Internet browsing or the keywords indicated by the content viewing tendency information derived from the television viewing. Update information notification of Web pages, new search processing, and the like can be given.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 73 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the content viewing device when the above functional components are realized as hardware. The operation of each hardware component in the process of calculating a cross-viewing tendency of access logs will be described with reference to this figure.

  As shown in this figure, in the same way as in the eleventh embodiment, the content viewing apparatus has “CPU” (7301), “main memory” (7302), “flash memory” (7303), and “VRAM” (7304). ”,“ Display ”(7305),“ remote control light receiving unit ”(7306),“ tuner ”(7307), and“ communication IF ”(7308).

  Then, as described in the eleventh embodiment, a centralized channel menu generated by assigning a television broadcast channel ID and a channel number and assigning an IP address to another channel number is displayed on the “display”. Accept access operation input.

  Then, according to the log analysis program read to the “main memory”, the “CPU” searches the channel menu table using the channel number indicated by the remote control operation signal as a key, and acquires the assigned content ID. In addition, the time when the remote control operation signal is received using an internal clock or the like is acquired as the access time. Further, as described above, electronic program guide information and tag information may be acquired. The acquired information is stored at a predetermined address of the “main memory” and recorded in the “flash memory” as an access log.

  Subsequently, in order to analyze the access log recorded in the “flash memory”, for example, at a predetermined timing (eg, every week), the “CPU” reads the access log to the address 5 of the “main memory” according to the log analysis program. . Then, the “CPU” executes a size comparison process between the number of accesses to the “car site” indicated in the access log and a preset threshold value according to the program. As a result, when a determination result indicating that the number of accesses exceeds the threshold value is output, “car” is acquired as content viewing tendency information and stored in address 6 of “main memory”.

  Then, using such content viewing tendency information, for example, the “CPU” can execute an automatic recording reservation process using “car” as a keyword in accordance with a program or a blog update check process. .

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 74 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the steps shown below may be processing steps that constitute a program for controlling a computer recorded on a medium.

  First, the channel menu generated by the processing flow as described in the above embodiment is displayed on the display so as to be usable as shown in this figure (step S7401). Then, use acceptance of the channel menu is started (step S7402), and when use is accepted, an access log for use is recorded in a log recording unit such as a flash memory (step S7403). Then, based on the recorded TV broadcast channel ID and IP address access log, content viewing tendency information across TV media and Internet media is calculated (step S7404). Then, using the content viewing tendency information, for example, various processes such as an automatic recording reservation process and a blog update check process are executed.

    <Brief description of effect>

  As described above, by using the channel menu that allows the television broadcast channel ID and IP address to be selected centrally by the content viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment, access logs to both can also be acquired centrally. Therefore, a cross-sectional viewing tendency can be calculated for both. Then, using the calculated viewing tendency, for example, various processes such as an automatic recording reservation process and a blog update check process can be executed.

Schematic showing an example of a display screen and an operation in the content viewing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the program structure in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 1, and a hardware structure. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a selection list held in a selection list holding unit of the content viewing apparatus according to the first embodiment. H. Conceptual diagram showing an example of a channel menu table used in the allocation unit of the content viewing / listening apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in a content viewing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen display in Example 2. Flowchart for explaining a flow of processing in the content viewing apparatus of the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the characteristic hardware constitutions of Example 2. Schematic showing an example of the display screen and operation in the content viewing apparatus of Example 3 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a selection list held in a selection list holding unit of a content viewing apparatus according to a third embodiment. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the contents viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the third embodiment. Conceptual diagram showing an example of a user customization screen for assignment in the content viewing apparatus of the fourth embodiment The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 4. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the contents viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 4. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 5. FIG. The figure showing an example of the table for channel menus utilized in order to implement | achieve the allocation receiving means of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 5. FIG. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the contents viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 5. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. Conceptual diagram for explaining an example of analysis of a cross-sectional access log in the content viewing / listening apparatus of Embodiment 6 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 6. The figure showing an example of the log recorded in the channel log recording part of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 6. FIG. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 6. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the conventional web page screen display which does not utilize the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. The figure which shows an example of the web page screen display at the time of utilizing the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. Functional block diagram for explaining an example of a characteristic configuration of the content viewing apparatus of the seventh embodiment FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of document data acquired by the content viewing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the user input graphic display in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. FIG. The figure which shows an example which added the numeric keypad character to the user input graphic display by the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. FIG. Flowchart for explaining an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus of the seventh embodiment The figure which shows an example of the specific structure in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 7. FIG. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 8. The figure which shows an example of the modification document data modified by the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 8. Flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing in the content viewing apparatus of the eighth embodiment The figure which shows an example of the specific structure in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 8. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 8. FIG. Conceptual diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment. Functional block diagram for explaining the ninth embodiment The figure which shows an example of the concrete structure aspect of Example 9. FIG. Functional block diagram for explaining the tenth embodiment The figure which shows an example of the screen display in Example 10. The figure explaining the flow of processing of Example 10. The figure which shows an example of the concrete structure aspect of Example 10. FIG. Schematic showing an example of a display screen and operation in the content viewing apparatus of Example 11 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 11. Conceptual diagram showing an example of a selection list held in a selection list holding unit of the content viewing apparatus of Example 11 Schematic diagram showing an example of a channel menu table used in the allocation unit of the content viewing / listening device according to the eleventh embodiment. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 11. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment. Schematic showing an example of a display screen and operation in the content viewing apparatus of Example 11 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 12. FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a selection list held in a selection list holding unit of a content viewing apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 12. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an example of a user customization screen for assignment in the content viewing apparatus of Embodiment 13 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 13. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 13. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 14. The figure showing an example of the channel menu table utilized in order to implement | achieve the allocation receiving means of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 14. FIG. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 14. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in the content viewing apparatus of the fourteenth embodiment. Conceptual diagram for describing an example of analysis of a cross-sectional access log in the content viewing / listening apparatus of Example 15 The figure showing an example of the functional block in the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 15. The figure showing an example of the log recorded in the channel log recording part of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 15. The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in the contents viewing-and-listening apparatus of Example 15. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow in the content viewing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

0200 Content viewing device 0201 Tuner unit 0202 Control unit 0203 Internet browser unit 0204 Selection list holding unit 0205 Allocation unit 0206 Channel menu output unit 0207 Channel number acquisition unit 0208 Judgment unit 0209 Tuner control command output unit 0210 Browser control command output unit

Claims (10)

Tuner section,
An internet browser unit having a control unit for controlling the tuner unit;
A selection list holding unit that holds a selection list that is a list of TV broadcast channel IDs and IP addresses that are content IDs;
An assigning unit that selects and assigns an arbitrary content ID from a selection list to a channel number;
A channel menu generating unit that generates a channel menu that includes channel numbers to which content IDs are assigned by the assigning unit;
A channel number acquisition unit for acquiring a channel number designated using the channel menu;
A determination unit for determining whether the content ID assigned to the acquired channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address;
When the determination unit determines that the content ID is a TV broadcast channel ID, a tuner control command is sent to the control unit of the Internet browser unit so that the tuner unit receives a broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID. A tuner control command output unit for outputting;
A browser control command output unit for outputting a browser control command so that the Internet browser unit accesses the IP address when the content ID is determined by the determination unit to be an IP address;
A content viewing device comprising: The Internet browser part is
Broadcast video acquisition means for acquiring an image via the tuner section;
Communication image acquisition means for acquiring an image by accessing an IP address via the Internet;
Arranging means for arranging the images acquired by the two image acquiring means on one screen;
The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The selection list holding unit further holds an execution file ID serving as a content ID for identifying a file for executing an application in the selection list,
The determination unit determines whether the content ID assigned to the channel number acquired by the channel number acquisition unit is a television broadcast channel ID, an IP address, or an execution file ID.
The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an application execution unit that executes an application with a file identified by the execution file ID when the determination unit determines that the content ID is an execution file ID. .   The allocating unit receives an allocation input of a channel number and a content ID selected from the selection list from a user, and selects and allocates an arbitrary content ID from the selection list to the channel number according to the reception The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reception unit. The allocation unit is
For allocation of content IDs to specific channel numbers, input from the user to the allocation receiving means is not accepted,
Assignment that receives assignment of a content ID from a predetermined external server to a specific channel number instead of input from a user, and selects and assigns an arbitrary content ID from a selection list to the channel number in response to the reception Having receiving means,
The content viewing apparatus according to claim 4. A multimedia terminal comprising: a tuner unit; an Internet browser unit having a control unit that controls the tuner unit; and a selection list holding unit that holds a selection list that is a list of TV broadcast channel IDs and IP addresses that are content IDs. A content viewing apparatus control method comprising:
An allocation step of selecting and assigning an arbitrary content ID from the selection list to the channel number;
A channel menu generating step for generating a channel menu that is configured from the channel number to which the content ID is assigned in the assigning step;
A channel number receiving step for receiving a channel number designation using the channel menu;
A determination step of determining whether the content ID assigned to the received channel number is a television broadcast channel ID or an IP address;
When it is determined in the determination step that the content ID is a TV broadcast channel ID, a tuner control command is sent to the control unit of the Internet browser unit so that the tuner unit receives a broadcast wave indicated by the TV broadcast channel ID. A tuner control command output step to output;
A browser control command output step for outputting a browser control command so that the Internet browser unit accesses the IP address when the content ID is determined to be an IP address in the determination step;
A method for controlling a content viewing apparatus that causes a computer to execute. A broadcast video acquisition step of acquiring an image via the tuner unit;
A communication image acquisition step of acquiring an image by accessing an IP address via the Internet;
Arranging step for arranging the images acquired in the two image acquisition steps on one screen;
The content viewing apparatus control method according to claim 6 , further comprising: An execution file ID recording step for recording an execution file ID as a content ID for identifying a file for executing an application with respect to the selection list held in the selection list holding unit; Let the calculator run,
In the determination step, it is determined whether the content ID assigned to the channel number acquired in the channel number acquisition step is a television broadcast channel ID, an IP address, or an execution file ID.
8. The computer according to claim 6, wherein when the content ID is determined to be an execution file ID in the determination step, the computer further executes an application execution step of executing the application with the file identified by the execution file ID. A method for controlling a content viewing apparatus. The assigning step accepts an input for assigning a channel number and a content ID selected from the selection list from a user, and assigns an arbitrary content ID to be selected and assigned to the channel number from the selection list according to the acceptance. The method for controlling a content viewing apparatus according to claim 6 , further causing the computer to execute a reception step. The assigning step includes
Regarding the allocation of the content ID to the specific channel number, the input from the user to the allocation receiving step is not accepted,
Assignment that receives assignment of a content ID from a predetermined external server to a specific channel number instead of input from a user, and selects and assigns an arbitrary content ID from a selection list to the channel number in response to the reception The method for controlling a content viewing apparatus according to claim 9 , further causing the computer to execute a reception step.

Images